Cagliari President Tommaso Giulini is “worried not so much about this season as the future of the sport” after the pandemic. “In the post-coronavirus world, we cannot afford even half Radja Nainggolan’s salary.”
The season had started in extraordinary fashion with fourth place and a lengthy unbeaten run, only to crash and burn with coach Rolando Maran sacked.
His replacement, Walter Zenga, has not yet made his debut because Serie A was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Cagliari President Tommaso Giulini is “worried not so much about this season as the future of the sport” after the pandemic. “In the post-coronavirus world, we cannot afford even half Radja Nainggolan’s salary.”
The season had started in extraordinary fashion with fourth place and a lengthy unbeaten run, only to crash and burn with coach Rolando Maran sacked.
His replacement, Walter Zenga, has not yet made his debut because Serie A was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We were living a dream and it turned into a nightmare,” President Giulini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The expectations became so high, we lost our confidence and couldn’t handle the pressure. In the end, we were forced to make a change. I haven’t spoken to Maran since the dismissal, as this was a painful decision for me. We’ll get together after some time has passed.”
Zenga has a somewhat unusual contract, with a clause reducing his salary if the Serie A season does not reach its conclusion due to the public health crisis.
“His leadership will be fundamental when we resume. He has the characteristics of a famous German tactician, so I’d call him our Jurgen Zenga.”
The COVID-19 outbreak is financially devastating for many clubs and likely to change the transfer market going forward.
“If Nainggolan wanted to stay, we could start negotiations with Inter, but it’s very difficult. Objectively, in the post-coronavirus football world, Cagliari cannot afford even half of his salary,” added Giulini.
“I am worried not so much about this season as the future of the sport. Unless the Government helps out sponsors, we will lose their support. When the games do resume, they will at first be behind closed doors, then season ticket prices will eventually change. The TV rights will be re-evaluated and globally the revenue will drop.
“We must find solutions not just on the Italian level, but a European one. We should finally get a salary cap for the major European Leagues to avoid the gap between small and big clubs getting even wider, avoiding the inconceivable temptation of a SuperLeague.”
Giulini also shares the call of Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso for the Italian Government to streamline its red tape.
“It’s fundamental that clubs are allowed to build stadiums. We’ve already changed our plans by giving up the mall part of the arena so that in the post-COVID era we can support local businesses. Without aid, our stadium too will see plans grind to a halt.”
Tomorrow represents the 50th anniversary of Cagliari winning the Scudetto, but there can be no huge celebration.
“I will mark the occasion like all Cagliari fans by hanging something red and blue in the window, opening a bottle of wine and toasting to the men who made one of the greatest achievements in Italian sporting history.”