Angelo Alessio reckons learning English is hard enough – let alone understanding the broad Ayrshire accent.
But despite the language challenges he has faced since moving to Kilmarnock from Italy, he has been working as hard as he can to improve.
The Kilmarnock boss has been taking English lessons during midweeks in between his match preparations for the games ahead.
The gaffer also admits that he has been watching TV with English subtitles to aid his improvement.
Alessio said: “I have English lessons during the week. It’s important for me to improve it.
“It’s difficult, sometimes it’s hard to understand the Scottish accent!
“But I want to improve on it, it’s important to communicate to the players, staff and the media.
“Every day my English is getting better, sometimes when someone speaks very fast Massimo [Donati, assistant coach] can help me with translation.
“I want to speak English, but it’s a lot better.”
Alessio, who is preparing his squad for Saturday's Premiership visit of St Mirren, added: “I watch TV every day, I don’t have Italian TV channels.
“I watch all kinds of programmes, the news, documentaries and films.
“I have English subtitles to help me, so it all helps.
“It’s important to communicate with the players, especially at half-time when there isn’t much time.
“I think that we have a good relationship, but we have to work on it for sure.”
