Salernitana President Danilo Iervolino held a press conference to explain the chaos that saw coach Davide Nicola sacked and then brought back two days later. ‘You only realise how much you love someone when they leave.’
There had already been several weeks of speculation around Nicola’s status at the club and the matter came to a head after a humiliating 8-2 Serie A defeat to Atalanta.
Nicola was fired and a series of options interviewed, but then last night it was rumoured Nicola was returning, which all parties confirmed this morning.
“I find it only right to clarify the situation,” said President Iervolino in a hastily-organised press conference.
“The team was constructed well, but there was a lack of concentration and physicality. After a defeat like that, where I saw no desire to fight back, I felt the need to change.
“All you can change is the coach and a hundred managers offered themselves to us. We thought up the characteristics we were looking for and started meetings, all for the good of the club.
“Then something happened yesterday that feels practically unique in the world of football. The coach and I communicated via director of sport Morgan De Sanctis, who spoke highly of him. Nicola wanted to get straight back to work, he admitted to his mistakes and how much he loves this city.
“You only realise how much you love someone when they leave. It was the only way we could clear the air. So for the good of the club, the players and everything, it’s only right that the coach has another chance, with the promise the team will never again suffer such a humiliating defeat as in Bergamo.”
Iervolino and Nicola arrived when Salernitana were already rock bottom of Serie A and heading towards relegation, but turned it all around and now their ambitions run higher.
“The good news is that after the game with Juventus, we ought to have a slightly calmer fixture list, but I still hope to get points over the next three games too. Our absolute minimum target is to remain in Serie A, the second is to play good football and get the best out of young players, therefore climbing the standings.”
There had also been reports that De Sanctis was on the chopping block when Iervolino fired Nicola, but the President rushed to his director of sport’s aid.
“I should defend De Sanctis more, against everyone. We have built a great team, constructed for Nicola’s style of football.”
Iervolino refused to be drawn on just how close Salernitana came to appointing a new coach during those two days.
“We had many auditions, some very big names proposed themselves, but someone who was close to signing did not have his name in the papers.”