Gennaro Gattuso (44) knows that he has not taken on an easy task at Valencia FC. But the former midfielder believes in better times.
“The club has a fantastic history, but is currently in a recovery phase. But the conditions for a return are all there, the tradition, the city, the stadium, the fans, professionalism, soul and passion, that’s what I felt, that’s what convinced me”,
Things haven’t really gone well for the former top two-man during his spells with Sion, Palermo, OFI Crete, Pisa, AC Milan and SSC Napoli. In 2020, he won the Coppa Italia with Napoli. Now he wants to write a successful chapter in Spain.
How Gattuso will also work in Valencia is obvious: “I believe in the culture of work, just like in my stations in Italy. Daily professionalism, dedication, sacrifice. I don’t just mean the players, but the whole environment,” the 44-year-old demands.
Gattuso: “Barça can be pleased “
After rather disappointing years with the bats, with places 9, 13 and 9 again, there should be better times – ideally with qualification for Europe again. But the competition is fierce, the other clubs have other options, which is evident on the transfer market.
“The situation is not normal. On the one hand, there are clubs that make immense profits by selling their product, and these financial possibilities are reflected in the success or transfers,” Gattuso knows and also knows the other side: “Most of the others have to make a virtue out of necessity. That has already happened in many places because of the pandemic. In general, I think the whole of football should redimension itself, more balance is needed.”
In terms of transfers, FC Barcelona in particular stood out this summer. With Robert Lewandowski, the two-time world footballer and, along with Karim Benzema, probably the best nine-man in the world was signed. “I’m not a fan of algorithms in football, where numbers seem to explain everything. But continuously around 40 goals per season is a clear language, Barça can be happy,” said Gattuso.
