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De Canio translates into instant success
Wayne Veysey, Evening Standard6 Nov 2007
Appointing a manager who does not speak English? It may not be unusual in the Premier League but in the lower echelons it is as foreign as stirring ouzo into a mug of Bovril.
The appointment of Luigi de Canio at Queens Park Rangers has been greeted with suspicion in some quarters but veteran midfielder Gareth Ainsworth says the Italian with the nonexistent English has been like a breath of fresh air at the Championship strugglers.
"I have been in the game 19 years and I have learned new things since he has been here," said Ainsworth.
"He has opened my eyes a little bit. From changing formations during a game to adapting to different positions on the pitch, right down to throw-ins and free-kicks.
"He has made a lot of changes in the way he wants us to play. He didn't really know what level we were at. He has had to go back to basics.
"We are looking at football in a different way and getting the ball on the floor more. Training has become more technical. I don't think we can start playing the Italian way but he has come up with some great ideas."
De Canio marked his first game in charge of the club with a 2-0 victory over Hull on Saturday and will be hoping to continue QPR's climb up the table against Coventry at Loftus Road tonight. Communication between players and staff should be a concern but Ainsworth says new owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone are helping to foster a family atmosphere in the dressing room. Danish striker Marc Nygaard - who learned Italian while playing for Brescia - will translate for De Canio until the 50-year-old fully learns English.
Ainsworth said: "In a funny way that is helping his message to get across because the players have to concentrate on what is being said.
"He has come in with new ideas and is doing new things and the lads are behind him. Everyone is pulling together.
"Flavio is playing a big part in this. The Formula One season has now come to an end and we see him down the training ground and at the stadium. "He comes into the dressing room before the game to wish everyone all the best. He has a big input and we all have massive respect for him."
The 34-year-old, who has been at Rangers for four years, says the mood at the club has gone from uneasy negativity to eyeing up the Premier League. He added: "It was always one thing after another at QPR and nothing would surprise you - players in trouble with police, money problems, the Chinese episode, unfortunate deaths.
"Now we have a future. We have a boss who we know is here for the long term. There are not just 11 relieved players. There are 17,000 relieved fans. It's like a weight has been taken off the club."
Ainsworth says the players are determined to impress the new regime.
"We are playing for our futures," he added. "Obviously, players are going to come in but we want to be part of what is happening. The club is going places and I have no doubt we will end up in the Premier League."
