Parma Coach Roberto Donadoni explained why they’re not playing this weekend. “We have to act as club owners.”

Last Sunday’s game with Udinese was postponed due to the financial crisis, as the club did not have enough money to pay for stewards or security at the Stadio Tardini.

Now players and Coach have called off tomorrow’s trip to Genoa, with Donadoni holding a Press conference today.

Parma Coach Roberto Donadoni explained why they’re not playing this weekend. “We have to act as club owners.”

Last Sunday’s game with Udinese was postponed due to the financial crisis, as the club did not have enough money to pay for stewards or security at the Stadio Tardini.

Now players and Coach have called off tomorrow’s trip to Genoa, with Donadoni holding a Press conference today.

“It’s not just mere economic problems. We have to understand how we got to this point,” he said after news his bench and lockers from the changing room were being auctioned off.

“Still to this day I haven’t seen anyone with everything that has happened who sat down and said: ‘Maybe we’re a little bit to blame.’
“Those responsible were allowed to operate in a certain way. I am tired of seeing people try to plug holes. The moment has come for us to look each other in the eye and demand radical action.

“These are situations that must never be repeated. We have to realise that and work for the future.”

In this Serie A round all games will kick off 15 minutes late as a ‘protest’ from the Players’ Association.

“I thank all the players who decided to stage this protest. They are the only ones to have shown solidarity with us, but very little came from off the field. We spoke to the Coaches’ Association, but hardly anyone else has talked to us.

“The reaction of the squad was to come here and work, like professionals. We’ll see about the rest. Faced with evident problems, it is impossible for a football club to work.

“Everyone is trying to safeguard their own interests and that’s what it’s like in football. What I think is that it suits some people not to say precisely what is going on and to face the basic problem.

“If I have to be suspended or have points revoked, I am proud to do that. I feel it is the right thing to fight for what we believe in and love.

“We also cannot just get switched on and off like robots. We are humans and have emotions, so it would be impossible to focus on our football at this moment.

“The time has come to stop. We want to do something concrete. We feel like we’re in the desert and can see vultures and jackals around us. Just think of the 17-18 year old players who have a future ahead of them.”

Donadoni reiterated the squad is willing to give more time to President Giampietro Manenti, who is desperately seeking a bank that will loan him funds.

“I hope there will be positive developments and we’ll see if we can go forward. We remain positive and live in hope.

“I’d say a club like Parma is important on the football landscape and there must be people out there ready to take the situation in hand.

“As for seizing assets and selling off everything, we just have to laugh. We have been abandoned and now the Collecchio ground is easily conquered, but we remain united.

“We have to think as if we are the owners of this club, even though we aren’t.”

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