Giampaolo Pozzo has reiterated faith in Francesco Guidolin, despite calling him ‘too emotional’, and affirmed belief that Antonio Di Natale won’t retire.
The future of both men has come under scrutiny during what has been a difficult and inconsistent season for the Zebrette.
“This year we had a bad start and we continue to struggle, it’s a shame,” club owner Pozzo has considered this week to Radio Anch’Io Sport.
Giampaolo Pozzo has reiterated faith in Francesco Guidolin, despite calling him ‘too emotional’, and affirmed belief that Antonio Di Natale won’t retire.
The future of both men has come under scrutiny during what has been a difficult and inconsistent season for the Zebrette.
“This year we had a bad start and we continue to struggle, it’s a shame,” club owner Pozzo has considered this week to Radio Anch’Io Sport.
“We go from excellent performances, such as the one against Milan, to others that are unspeakable, like at Cagliari.
“The squad is the same as last year, improved with the addition of some young players. Unfortunately, something is wrong – it is the fault of the leadership, and also mine. If I could go back, I would do some minor adjustments.
“There was the game at Genoa, which we had practically won [3-1 up to draw 3-3], or the one with Lazio in which we leave with much regret [2-1 up against 10 men to lose 3-2].
[Cagliari owner Massimo] Cellino, for example, is a great motivator – his decisions have been felt by the team and they beat us just last week.
“Our club is good, economically, we find young players and help them grow. Then, when a player has matured, we sell them – to hold back a player who wants to leave is counter-productive.
“The only exception is Di Natale, who has wanted to remain in Udine.”
On the veteran No 10, Pozzo was asked about whether or not he expects him to retire come the summer, as originally announced, but since put into doubt.
“I do not think he is going to stop, it was just a moment of despair, but he will continue with us.”
The club last week released a statement affirming their faith in Coach Francesco Guidolin, rejecting a story that they were going to replace him with Verona’s Andrea Mandorlini.
“Guidolin has a contract to 2017, and our relationship is perfect. Unfortunately, he is very emotional and even in winning he is never calm. But we hold on to him tightly.”