PALERMO: ZAMPARINIS LETTER TO THE FANS

The unpopular choice to sack Delio Rossi taken by the president Maurizio Zamparini has unleashed a waterfall of criticism across the club and Zamparini himself, accused by supporters to give little serenity to the environment and to not have a true "project" with true objectives, if not economic ones. The rosanero patron has therefore decided to speak to the many fans of Palermo through a letter published on the official site, in response to the numerous comments in the last few days. Here is the text in its entirety: In these days, I’m reading various comments relative to the situation of Palermo Calcio and the sacking of its coach Rossi. With this letter to the fans, I want to clarify, for the affection and esteem I have for them – affection and esteem that I feel has changed towards me – my thought and a few untrue images put forward by various sporting personalities and not on the policy of Palermo Calcio. Palermo Calcio, in which over the years I’ve invested exactly €62,450,000 and secured other personal guarantees of another €21,650,000 for a total of €84,100,000, has in the last few years an equal balance between income and expenditures, despite the mounting expenses (above all in players, coaches and management wages) bringing in negative amounts of approximately €10,000,000 annually compared to revenue. For this reason, the clubs economic policy must look to cover such liabilities with assets deriving from capital gains (net positive) for the sale of players. For example: Cavanis purchase price and redemption €5,000,000 €17,000,000 Profit from the sale and redemption = €12,000,000 Hence, the clubs policy to invest in youth with great quality: Pastore Hernandez Pinilla Munoz Garcia Pedro Ilicic Bacinovic Moreover, its clear that when youngsters of great quality affirm themselves as champions, they want to go to clubs that guarantee their wages 3-4 times higher than their current ones so that it is impossible to keep them. Here, just like other clubs in Serie A, Palermo must always look for a quality replacement, conscious of having to wait for, at times and for some, complete development. Its clear that from the get-go the clubs policy is not (as someone writes since he doesnt know calcio) to make money, but to balance the budget so it doesnt fail. I dont know if I can recover all that I invested personally in these years when I sell Palermo, but it hasnt been that way in the past (Venezia) and I think it wont be that way either in Palermo: without regret, since the greatest reward for my work has been and is the affection of all of Palermo. I tried to explain in a simple manner the policy of Palermo: in case it hadnt been clear, I will always be available since Palermos budget is and always will be transparent. Certainly, Im saddened by some of the comments from people who also talk about my economic advantages: obviously, they dont know me and for them Ill always be available with my accounts straightened. COACH MANAGEMENT As is my nature, I give a lot and I expect a lot from my colleagues who I look for quality. This is necessary, according to me, to keep Palermo at the current levels just behind the 3-4 big teams. Palermo has had good coaches like Guidolin, Del Neri, Colantuono, Rossi and some others. At Venezia, I had coaches with lesser results – Novellino, Prandelli, Ventura, Spalletti and several others. Surely, I have many faults and among these is the lack of patience. But I think that with Rossi, an excellent coach and teacher, and according to me, not so much a great strategist, my patience was good since, first privately and when he didnt listen, through the media, I expressed the need for defensive solutions that do not lead to the current situation (43 goals allowed). I made the decision to sack him because it is my duty to make decisions when its considered useful for the future of the team and when I lose confidence in the coach. I may have been wrong, as Ive already done a few time in the past, but my decision has been cool-headed and supported by documentation: I thought that Rossi had lost his drive, enthusiasm, faith in the team. He was paid very well for this: a regular employee must work 50 years to earn what Rossi earns in a year. I hope I didnt make a mistake as each of my decisions in the past, present and future has been, is and will always be to take Palermo higher. For this, I always need your affection and even your criticism as long as they are true and loyal as I am. A bit worried and hurt. With love. The President Maurizio Zamparini