Passionate Italian head coach Gabriele Cioffi reveals: '˜Birmingham City was my first girlfriend, Crawley Town is my wife'
The Reds boss previously had an ill-fated spell working alongside Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola who was manager during a four-month spell in 2016.
He revealed he loved working for the Blues and likened his time at St Andrews to having a ‘first girlfriend.’ He revealed: “I learned a lot from him (Zola), off the pitch and on it.
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Hide Ad“I left my heart there. We were in the right place at the wrong moment. Whatever I do, in private life or sport as well, it’s about heart. Since September 7 my heart is here.
“Birmingham was my first girlfriend, now I have a wife!”
Italian Cioffi admitted he was passionate about football and life in general.
He said: “I feel the game and can read the game with passion. It’s my way. I want to be with them (the fans) inside.”
Cioffi made an immediate impact and showed his own style during his first game in charge.
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Hide AdFrom shaking hands with the players before kick-off, to running on to the pitch to celebrate a goal, he showed his passion for the game.
He ended the match in a style which was reminiscent of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp by lining up with the players to thanks the fans, creating a lovely buzzing atmosphere.
Speaking to the media, he stressed the importance of establishing a good relationship with the supporters.
He said: “It’s important, because otherwise we are employed, stamp the badge and back home. One day I hope we can fill all the stadium up. How can you call people to watch the game to support you? Make a result. Work it out.
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Hide Ad“Without them (the fans) we are alone, so do you want to play in an empty stadium?
“That is my way. If we are doing well, our family, I am talking about the whole club, the sun shines brighter and it is a happier life!”
Cioffi got off to a winning start in his first game in charge with a 2-0 victory at home to Morecambe which was the first win for a new Crawley boss in his opening game since Steve Evans in 2007.
Taste of the Terrace: Gabriele Cioffi gains immediate rapport with the fansWatch Ashley Nathaniel-George’s reaction to Crawley Town’s victory over MorecambeThe verdict: Columnist Steve Herbert believes Gabriele Cioffi’s first week in charge has been first classWatch Gabriel Cioffi’s reaction to victory in his opening game in charge