Palermo pledged to “punish” Enzo Maresca after he joined a player revolt on social media against Beppe Iachini’s sacking.
The Coach was surprisingly dismissed this morning, under 48 hours after a 1-0 victory over Chievo, and replaced by Davide Ballardini.
Players have lined up on social media to express their frustration and anger at the decision.
Palermo pledged to “punish” Enzo Maresca after he joined a player revolt on social media against Beppe Iachini’s sacking.
The Coach was surprisingly dismissed this morning, under 48 hours after a 1-0 victory over Chievo, and replaced by Davide Ballardini.
Players have lined up on social media to express their frustration and anger at the decision.
Franco Vazquez dubbed it “an injustice” on Twitter and goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino wrote “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Midfielder Maresca took the strongest line on a Facebook post.
“Together since January 2014 we dominated the Serie B championship by breaking every possible record, got almost 50 points in the first Serie A season and would’ve got 50 this year…
“As well as bringing more than €60m into the club coffers! You’re not the one saying it and neither am I, because everyone knows the reality of the situation.
“It has been a pleasure LION!”
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini reacted angrily to this latest outburst.
“Clearly a player like Maresca was talking bull and he will be punished. It’s not even true that I earned €60m the last two seasons, because being in Serie B cost me €40m.
“Vazquez is fond of Iachini because, based on my intervention, he got him back on track in Serie B. I want to take Palermo to European levels and that means more pro-active football. I removed Iachini because the team was no longer playing football.”
In today’s Press conference presenting Ballardini, President Zamparini also confirmed this wasn’t his first choice.
“I asked Francesco Guidolin to return, but it was not possible. I chose Ballardini because he knows the environment around the club, having already worked here.
“He has the enthusiasm that is currently missing in the squad. I am convinced he’ll bring it back.”