It was always going to end this way. They say that the only constant is change and no place is that phrase truer than in Palermo. Once again, Maurizio Zamparini has made the brash decision to sack a coach after just three matches.
What was once a great team on the precipice of greatness is now floundering in the depths of despair and failure. A team that just two short years ago played a Coppa Italia final in front of 40,000 Rosanero fans is a distant memory. Zamparini has inconceivably hit the self-destruct button on a club that was perhaps a player or two away from a true Champions League competing side back then. The timer seems to be nearing zero. The most recent developments after the draw against Cagliari underline that notion.
The feeling was that it would be different this time around. There was an organization structure in place, a sporting director who knows Palermo and could serve as a buffer between the coach and the irrational, impulsive decisions of its owner. It had to be different. After all, Zamparini already ate a testicle when he rued the sacking of Stefano Pioli before last season even began. He claimed to be patient. He said hed give Sannino the time and freedom to lead this fresh-faced side. There was a project in place at Palermo.
Yet, it all proved to be the same old Zamparini. This is a guy who would probably try to return a dozen eggs after he bought them, cooked an omelette and realized he botched the recipe. Of course, hed blame the chicken that laid the eggs, or the grocer
but never himself as the cook! The fact of the matter is at some point the blame has to be placed where its supposed to be. Zamparini cannot simply talk about a project year in and year out when the blueprint never makes it off the drawing board. Its disrespectful and disgraceful to the city of Palermo, its fans, the workers at the club and the players. Nobody can take him at his word anymore because his word is about as valuable as the Greek economy. Enough is enough.
So, Sannino is out after a mere three games. He was never given a real opportunity to instill his vision and style of play on a team that has been overhauled with new members. He tried his best but perhaps the challenges were too great to overcome with such a short leash. Most of the blame does not fall on his shoulders, even if he humbly accepted the criticism after his departure. This was not a team sufficiently built for him. The players that departed left big holes in the squad that were never addressed in the transfer market. He never used it as an excuse even though he had every reason to. He is a good coach. Its apparent based on his prior experiences and it will certainly become even more so when he moves on to another club where hes given the proper time and tools to succeed.
Now, the focus turns to Gian Piero Gasperini. He played for the club for five years back in the late 70s and early 80s, making over 100 appearances. Hes most known for his coaching tenure at Genoa where he led the Grifone from 2006 to 2010 while employing his famous 3-4-3. In a surprise move, Inter appointed him as their head coach last season, but the former Juventus youth coach only lasted five official matches before getting sacked.
For those who remember, Gasperini was sought after by Zamparini after Delio Rossi was not brought back for last season. Gasperini declined Zamparinis offer and Pioli was hired instead. Its interesting to note that at the time, Zamparini had this to say about Gasperini: Hes one of those coaches who thinks he invented calcio. Ive never had a conversation with him. Of course, that was a spurned Zamparini speaking. After officially announcing Gasperini as the new Palermo coach, Zamparini naturally changed his tune: Ive already dealt with Gasperini before he went to Inter. He has a good curriculum, his teams play a good calcio. Last summer we didnt agree on details but now hes more humble and Im sure hell do well. He will have time to work and play as he wants. He isnt at Palermo to coach three matches and leave. In his contract, theres a bonus for an eventual qualification in Europe. Everyone knows better to believe any of that statement.
What does a team battling against relegation look like? Well, it looks awfully close to the current team in ritiro at Brescia right now. As Palermo tries once again to restart under a new coach and a new system, its up to the fans to continue to sustain this team. They need the support now more than ever. Forza Palermo. Sempre.
