Collecchio, 20 December 2024 - From midfielder to midfielder, understanding one another almost natural. Sharing the same part of the pitch means speaking a common language, way of moving, strategies and intuition that only those who have had the experience can truly understand. This is just one reason as to why Shunsuke Nakamura has chosen Parma Calcio and Fabio Pecchia for his refresher course of the coaching programme that the ex-Reggina midfielder (from 2002 until 2005), is attending in Japan. This journey is giving him the opportunity to immerse himself in the world of management with a European side, with the objective of enriching his own professional experience.

Two non-stop weeks of full immersion in Collecchio, to observe the work of the Gialloblu Head Coach and his staff, who know the Japanese league well, having managed Avispa Fukuoka in the 2018/19 season (the athletic trainer Marco Antonio Ferrone and Goalkeeper Coach Valerio Visconti were with him during his tenure there). Another reason for Nakamura choosing to spend his refresher period at the Mutti Training Centre in Collechio to watching Parma closely was to understand the secrets behind the work of the Head Coach.

During his course, Nakamura has observed every details of the activities that Pecchia and his staff have put the team through, with particular attention being paid to the way in which the training sessions are led and the tactical approach of the team. However, he is not just limited to watching.

The ex-midfielder has been discussing different topics everyday with both Pecchia and his staff.

'Pecchia knows Japanese football well, having coached Avispa Fukuoka. During my time at Collecchio, be it with him or the technical staff, there have been constant discussions to understand the training methods, the tactics, strategies, types of training and the entire Parma organisation. I'd like to thank the society, and above all Pecchia, who has always been available. I posed him a lot of questions and he's always come back with the answers I wanted. This has helped me a lot to understand. I won't forget this', stated Shunsuke Nakamura before leaving Collecchio and Italy.

It wasn't a simple refresher course for Nakamura, but a chance to deeply understand the way of work in Europe and to learn some precious tips to apply in his future coaching career. Parma, with our history and technical project, is the ideal place for this experience.