Palermo Coach Davide Ballardini says players must show “maximum commitment” to the club, after three were disciplined.
Following the Coppa Italia defeat to Alessandria, Enzo Maresca, Luca Rigoni and Fabio Daprelà have been excluded by the club, with President Maurizio Zamparini accusing them of playing “against their own Coach”.
Palermo Coach Davide Ballardini says players must show “maximum commitment” to the club, after three were disciplined.
Following the Coppa Italia defeat to Alessandria, Enzo Maresca, Luca Rigoni and Fabio Daprelà have been excluded by the club, with President Maurizio Zamparini accusing them of playing “against their own Coach”.
“There was some discontent even before I came,” Ballardini noted in a Press conference.
“I played football for a long time. Maybe we don’t always express ourselves as we should, but it can happen.
“They’re not playing against me, we gave Lazio a good test, and we were 1-0 down to Juventus in the 89th minute and [Aleksandar] Trajkovski could well have equalised.
“I wanted to clarify the situation, the dissatisfaction was here before. Alessandria aside, I can confirm that the team wants to play.
“The discontent is related to relationships, certain situations between the players and the club. There’s a bit of calm, and there also might be a bit of discontent.
“But it was there before I got here, not just now. Playing football is a pleasure, and as people you can be very happy taking home a more than decent salary.
“I am privileged. Very privileged. But these things happen in football. I want lads who are calm, happy and motivated by playing for Palermo Calcio.
“We favour those who go onto the pitch with a free mind. When things are resolved, normality will return.
“Rigoni? You know the situation better than me, it’s been going on since the start of the season. Things were said, but I wasn’t here.
“The parties haven’t got any calmer, and I’d rather coach young lads from the Primavera than have another situation.
“Could the three leave in January? You'd have to ask the club. I just want maximum commitment to Palermo Calcio.”