29-05-2025
Killie manager's job a 'dream' for Pascali
Could Manuel Pascali return to Kilmarnock one day as manager? The Italian certainly doesn't rule it didn't fancy throwing his hat in the ring this time - before Stuart Kettlewell was appointed Derek McInnes' successor - as he spends time honing his managerial craft at Italian fifth-tier side ACD Sant'Angelo 1907, where is currently the future, though, the former captain says returning as manager would "clearly" be a dream come approach to achieving this dream, though, is a patient one. He wants to have the experience behind him to be a success. Pascali, who joined Killie in 2008 and made more than 200 appearances in a seven-year stay, told BBC Scotland: "I always thought that - we call it gavetta [to come up through the ranks] - the experience is crucial for everything."We've seen so many young managers being thrown in positions where they found difficulties that you're not expecting from a player point of view. Because as a player, even if you are old, you can see things, you organise things, you work for your manager as well, but being on the bench is a completely different job."So I always follow dreams, I always have dreams in my head and one is clearly to maybe one day come back and sit on that bench."But first I need to gain experience because the one thing I don't want to do is maybe come to that job and not be ready."So I would love to have that chance later on where I feel I have enough experience to deal with things and be ready."Pascali is eyeing a return this summer to play in former team-mate Rory McKenzie's testimonial - if he gets an invite."One day I would love to be back at Killie, because I never played so many years for a single team and I have sweet memories," the 43-year-old added."So we're going to see what's gonna happen, but I always check, I'm still in touch with Rory."I'm happy to see him gaining the chance to organise his testimonial year, but I'm still waiting for his invitation for his testimonial game."So I would be glad to play that part because I'm still keeping fit with having two young boys, and you never know if you'll see me around Rugby Park this summer."Hear more from Pascali on the latest episode of the BBC's Scottish football podcast.
