'He's from a family of hard workers': Kumbulla's first coach on his rise

As Marash Kumbulla made his Roma debut on Sunday night against Juventus, no doubt many people who have helped the young defender on his way were watching on proudly at the progress the young defender is making in football...

Among those interested observers was Giuliano Cordioli, Kumbulla's first football coach, who knew he could not miss his old student's first game for the Giallorossi - watching proudly as the youngster settled into the game at the Stadio Olimpico like a seasoned professional.

“Of course, I saw Max's Roma debut. I had to watch it on a smartphone," Cordioli told asroma.com.

"I was at Lake Maggiore, but I simply couldn't miss it. I’ve watched all his games, either at the stadium or on TV.”

Cordioli, 68, coached the Roma defender at Cavalcaselle, a small district with 3,500 inhabitants in Castelnuovo del Garda. Marash was only seven years old at the time.

Even though he’s now 20, has played a full Serie A season with Verona, and now dons the Giallorossi jersey and that of the Albania national side, Cordioli still calls him “my little guy”.

Not that he played like a little guy in his first game on the big stage with the Giallorossi.

“He was a little tense to start with, but he played with grit," the coach added.

"He put himself under the spotlight a bit with that foul he was booked for. But he showed the right spirit. He’s an exceptional lad – you’ll soon realise that in Rome.”

What do you like best about his character?

“Max is the son that everyone would like to have. He's always happy and never causes you any grief. The two years I coached him as a child were wonderful. I could put him in any role and he wouldn't say a word.

"He’s built his career on his own. He always said that he’d be a footballer when he grew up and he’s got where he wanted to be. He is a calm person, always thinking and not saying any more than he needs to. I think Roma have done great business by bringing in Kumbulla the man, first and foremost.”

What do you remember about those two years you coached him?

“Kumbulla lived opposite the sports centre. He was always out on the pitch. He used to turn up an hour before training. He even took the ball to bed. He grew up in a family of hard workers; his father emigrated from Albania, starting out as a construction worker before setting up his own business. They are straightforward, capable people.”

How much do you think the example set by Max’s father influenced his development?

“It was decisive. I know his dad well – he is a humble person, who’s willing to help. He passed these values on to his son.”

Have you been able to see each other in Rome yet?

"Not yet. I would like to visit my little guy now that he’s playing for Roma. I was happy about his move to the Giallorossi because I was sure that at Roma, unlike at other big clubs he was linked to, he would play.

"Because of his physique, the way he is, Kumbulla needs to be active all the time. Even when he was on holiday, a couple of times I found him near the Mincio River, where he was training on his own. Football is his passion.”