Italian job Serie A-OK for Roberts

KINGMAKER Osian Roberts – the coach who has guided the careers of Mikel Arteta, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira – is finally wearing the crown himself in Italy and loving every minute.

Roberts (above) is head coach at Como and has taken them to fourth place in Serie B, poised for a promotion push that could see him facing the likes of

Juventus, Inter and AC Milan next season.

That would be a remarkable step for the 58-year-old Welshman (above), better known for developing one of the most highly-regarded coaching courses in Europe as well as performing assistant roles for Wales and Crystal Palace.

“I have had a crash course in Italian football, but I’m engrossed in it and I’m loving every minute,” he said.

“It has been a breath of fresh air for me – the culture, the traditions and the history of Italian football and, despite what some at home keep telling us, there is a football world outside the Premier League.”

There are worst places to work than Como, too.

On the banks of Lake Como and in the shadow of the Alps, the club’s website declares it is “the beautiful game in the most beautiful location”.

Roberts himself was in the Premier League until a year ago when Palace sacked Vieira and, as his No.2, he followed the Frenchman through the exit door. Their paths had first crossed when Vieira had gained his coaching badges under Roberts, then technical director at the FA of Wales.

Fellow Arsenal legends Henry and Arteta also sought his schooling as young coaches, as did Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, but the man himself always saw his talent as more than a background mentor.

“I have plenty of experience as a head coach and not just assistant roles,” he said. “I did over 300 games as head coach of the Wales youth team and I was head coach of what was then the equivalent of an MLS team in the US,

New Mexico Chiles. So, I know what it means to be the No.1.”

Cesc Fabregas was initially named as head coach at Como until three months ago – when the former Arsenal hero had to step aside in order to complete his UEFA badges.

“Cesc doesn’t start his pro licence until the summer and those are the UEFA regulations, the same here as everywhere,” added Roberts.

“It’s a unique situation in some ways because I rely heavily on Cesc as he played for Como last season.

“We have a very good relationship and I see myself as staying here for a good while yet, hopefully in Serie A.”