New Genoa CEO Pietro Lo Monaco has discussed the club’s transfer strategy and claimed his rapport with President Enrico Preziosi will last.
New Genoa CEO Pietro Lo Monaco has discussed the club’s transfer strategy and claimed his rapport with President Enrico Preziosi will last.
Lo Monaco is renowned for his transfer expertise, but also for his temper. He’s had run ins with Jose Mourinho, amongst others, in the past and more recently a row with Catania President Antonino Pulvirenti which prompted his departure from the Sicilian club.
Given that Preziosi isn't shy of an argument either some have suggested the new set up at the port club is a disaster waiting to happen, a theory Lo Monaco has dismissed.
“I know many are willing to bet that my relationship with Preziosi will not last, but we have made pacts,” the official told Sport Italia.
“My goal is to create a strong structure which can become a reference. Catania is an important reality, what happened there was historic, but life places choices before you. I happened upon situations that led me to change course.”
Genoa have Mattia Destro and Samuele Longo – two of Italy's most talented young strikers – on their books, but only the latter appears likely to play his football at Marassi next term.
“On Destro there is a deal for Siena to acquire half the player. There have already been meetings with the Tuscans and the situation will be defined soon.
“Longo is a young man with enormous potential who we intend to keep with us with to gain experience. He is still young and needs to grow.”
Lo Monaco finished by commenting on Catania's appointment of Rolando Maran and rumours linking him with a bid for Elefanti midfielder Pablo Barrientos.
“Maran is a good choice, he is very serious and prepared. Barrientos is a player I like a lot, I took him when no one believed in him. But he is a Catania player and does not fall within the objectives of Genoa.”