Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero has given under pressure Coach Marco Giampaolo a vote of confidence ahead of Saturday's derby with Genoa.
The eccentric owner had previously hinted on Twitter that the Coach's future was in doubt after securing just two points in six rounds, but now seems to have changed his mind on the issue.
Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero has given under pressure Coach Marco Giampaolo a vote of confidence ahead of Saturday's derby with Genoa.
The eccentric owner had previously hinted on Twitter that the Coach's future was in doubt after securing just two points in six rounds, but now seems to have changed his mind on the issue.
"I expect a joyous derby, an important football match, a great show," Ferrero told Primocanale. "I am very happy with the choices I've made in my life, even the stupid things. I have thought a lot about the choice of Giampaolo. It is not disputable. It never has been.
"Giampaolo loves Sampdoria and when I chose him I knew that he would need time: we have to give it to him.
"We are in a false position. I spoke to [Domenico] Arnuzzo who is a hero of Samp, and asked him: if we had 4 points more would they have asked me if Giampaolo’s position was in doubt?
The President also took the opportunity to disassociate himself from links to former club Roma, and spoke about the sale of Joaquin Correa and Eder.
"Fans need to know that I was Roma player but now I don’t feel anything for them. I love these colors.
"The sale of Correa ? He started crying because he wanted to leave: the fans are right to criticize but a lot of things do not know! Fans need to know that on Sunday I suffer more than them.
"Eder asked to leave. We also offered an improved contract that Sampdoria almost would have found it hard to pay in order to try and keep him, but there was nothing we could do. This is the truth, and I assure you that I occasionally cloud the statements that I make, but I always tell the truth."
Ferrero then went on to talk about veteran striker Antonio Cassano, who was told at the beginning at the season that he had no place in the team.
"I have a lot of respect of Cassano as a player, no one has marginalised him. The decisions made were technical choices. I should mention that I was the one to bring him back to Sampdoria."