Coach Silvio Baldini explains why he and director Renzo Castagnini resigned after a split with Palermo’s new owners, City Group. ‘Do you think Pep Guardiola would put up with that?’
The Sicilians were promoted into Serie B over the summer and the takeover completed by the group that also runs Manchester City.
This made the fans hope they would see big investments and a more ambitious squad, but the club is in chaos after coach Baldini and director of sport Castagnini both handed in their resignation yesterday.
They held a joint press conference this afternoon to explain the situation and what had prompted this revolution.
“I said Palermo would go into Serie A, but if that’s no longer possible because my group has been removed, then why should I remain?” said Baldini.
“Do I hang around just to pick up my salary, risk having five or six embarrassing games and then get fired? Or do I at this moment leave the bench to others?
“If the City Group went to Manchester City and got rid of two physiotherapists and a fitness coach without telling Guardiola about it, do you think Guardiola would put up with that?
“Does he stay quiet or say this suggests he is not involved in the project? It might just be their way of working, but it’s not the way I can work.”
Castagnini also added their decision to resign was an “act of responsibility so the club has time” to find those who will work with the new owners.
Palermo went bankrupt in the summer of 2019 and had to start again from Serie D, earning promotion to Serie C and then this term Serie B via the play-offs by beating Padova.
Potential replacements for Baldini on the bench include Claudio Ranieri and Daniele De Rossi.
ur right – well done
Baldini not everything he asked for from CityGroup.
Castagnini got a new contract.
He only lost one starter from last year’s team and that was Giron.
And was involved in all the player transfers.