Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero discusses his long campaign for Coach Vincenzo Montella and the club's financial situation.
The outspoken businessman managed a coup by signing the former Fiorentina Coach, who was sought after by the likes of Roma and Milan, but he's been given scant credit by the football environment.
“The truth is that people struggle to accept a President who only just started out but who is already enthusiastic and full of positive energy like I am,” he told Tuttosport.
Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero discusses his long campaign for Coach Vincenzo Montella and the club's financial situation.
The outspoken businessman managed a coup by signing the former Fiorentina Coach, who was sought after by the likes of Roma and Milan, but he's been given scant credit by the football environment.
“The truth is that people struggle to accept a President who only just started out but who is already enthusiastic and full of positive energy like I am,” he told Tuttosport.
“They don't think I can be a successful businessman too. They continually try to destabilise me and Sampdoria with aspersions, but they don't understand that jealousy and gossip can't build anything.
“Sometimes I think there's a mastermind behind it all. I switch on the TV and I hear that I'm about to send out players in January. Sending out? Do I look like I work at the DHL? I'm still here and I'm not selling.”
Ferrero then went on to discuss his campaign to sign Coach Vincenzo Montella, who replaced Walter Zenga last November.
“I courted him a month and a half, I just hammered him. At first we just had friendly dinners without talking about football, then I told myself, let's try bringing him in!
“I convinced him with my enthusiasm and with a serious project. He's a good person.
“If another President had been able to lure Montella, he'd have been celebrated, while people are always skeptical about me. It used to bother me, but now I'm used to it and nobody is going to bring me down.”
Finally, the Blucerchiati President defended the financial situation of his team.
“Do you know what Sampdoria's debts are going to be next year? Practically zero. I didn't even ask the Lega for an advance on the broadcasting rights.”