Alberto Gilardino confessed he will meet with Genoa ‘over the next few days’ to discuss his future, as President Alberto Zangrillo admits ‘it’d be painful to lose him.’
There was a celebratory atmosphere at Marassi this evening following the 3-0 victory over Cagliari, although they had already done enough to mathematically guarantee Serie A safety thanks to other results going their way at the weekend.
The focus now moves on to next season and it remains to be seen if Gilardino will stay on as coach, having raised his profile by taking them to promotion from Serie B when boosted from the youth team to the main job in December 2022.
“Considering the way the season started, it was difficult to predict a campaign like this, as we were constructing a team and there were some situations that were in flux,” Gilardino told DAZN.
“Even with a few hiccups along the way, we ended up making an extraordinary journey. I was coach of the Primavera youth team until a year-and-a-half ago, so I think I’ve made giant leaps forward and want to continue along this path.”
So will Genoa plan next season with Gilardino or be forced to find a new coach?
“We’ll meet over the next few days and talk about it. I have great affection and gratitude for this club and the fans who love me. We’ll sit around a table and discuss things.”
Zangrillo waiting for Gilardino
Genoa President Zangrillo was also present in the stadium and spoke to DAZN about the situation around Gilardino.
“The credit for this wonderful season is entirely down to Gilardino and the team, while in the stands today we had Johannes Spors, a great talent who was able to build an extraordinary squad.
“I love Gilardino and was the first to defend him when needed, but this is a delicate situation. We need to hear what he wants.
“It would be painful to lose him, as I think we have all the conditions necessary to plan the future with him.”