Roberto Donadoni hailed Parma’s positive return with a point against Atalanta, but “it’s a paradoxical situation.”
Their last two games had been called off due to the financial crisis which left the club on the verge of bankruptcy.
Nobody has been paid since July 2014, but the squad played out a 0-0 draw with Atalanta at the Stadio Tardini.
Roberto Donadoni hailed Parma’s positive return with a point against Atalanta, but “it’s a paradoxical situation.”
Their last two games had been called off due to the financial crisis which left the club on the verge of bankruptcy.
Nobody has been paid since July 2014, but the squad played out a 0-0 draw with Atalanta at the Stadio Tardini.
“It felt a bit strange being back here. We wanted to resume playing, as we don’t enjoy sitting at home scratching our bellies,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“The game was played with determination and perhaps we deserved a little more. It’s a good start and that is fundamental going forward.
“It’s a paradoxical situation, but we’re going to have to learn to live with it.”
This week the Lega Serie A passed a €5m bailout package that will allow Parma to end the season, while the bankruptcy tribunal on March 19 should spark controlled administration proceedings.
“We played today because we are convinced FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio’s words will lead to action. The lads are not robots and can’t just forget all that has happened, but playing again is a good start and we’ll see what happens over the next week.
“Unfortunately, the situation is still on-going. For the players, for me and all the employees, it’s exhausting.
“I never liked crying over spilt milk, so we must try to get something positive out of this situation. I told the lads they should feel like owners of the club. We have a big responsibility towards the people of Parma and all football fans.”
Current President Giampietro Manenti was in the stands of the Stadio Tardini today, despite there still being no sign of the money he promised.
“Believe me, at times I know more from you reporters than from within the club. That gets me angry. We’ve had enough of words, right now we have to safeguard those who are at risk,” continued Donadoni.
“I also urge everyone to wait until the bankruptcy tribunal on March 19. It’s not right to throw someone in prison when their guilt has not been proven.”
Cesena President Lugaresi was highly critical of Parma and voted against the Lega Serie A bailout package.
“Those on the outside don’t know what we’ve been through. People can comment all they like, but if I have something to say to them, I will get their phone number from our press officer and tell them personally.”