On Tuesday, Managing Director Franco Collavino and Technical Director Federico Balzaretti presented Udinese’s new head coach, Fabio Cannavaro.
“He needs no introduction. We all know him very well already,” said Collavino. “I’d like to thank Gabriele Cioffi and his staff, with whom we shared a winding and uphill journey. Now it’s Cannavaro’s time. We’re putting the team in his hands in this challenging moment.
“We chose him for his technical skill and his great determination and charisma. These are values he has demonstrated both as a player and a coach. We believe he can make a valuable contribution to the club. He’s aiming to keep the team in the top-flight. We’re in a bit of a difficult situation at the moment, but it’s not impossible.
“What I ask is that we stay focused on the next five games and 20 minutes. That’s the only thing that counts at the moment. Controversies and ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ don’t matter. I’d like to thank the fans for the support they’ve given us so far and that they’ll continue to give to Cannavaro until the last minute of the last match. We lost an important game on Saturday in Verona, however there’ll be lots more to win with everyone’s help.”
Balzaretti also thanked Cioffi and his staff for their work. “As directors, we’re here to make decisions, even if they’re painful. Cannavaro was an easy choice and we targeted him because of the person he is, the values he brings, and what he can do for the lads. He’s got clear ideas. He knows when and where to intervene. We all know how charismatic and experienced he is. We’re convinced he can give this team the courage they need.
“Now we need to empower the club’s past and present and focus on these five matches and 20 minutes where we’ll need to be solid and show belief. These lads and our new coach need that. We need fire in our bellies because we’ll stay up by working together.”
The technical director also commented on the appointment of Giampiero Pinzi. “He’ll help the coach with the work to come. He’s already worked as part of the technical staff and he did well. It’s a pleasure to be able to count on him.”