Cosmi predicts headaches after heartache
Reuters - Tuesday 01 March 2011, 20:23
ROME - New Palermo coach Serse Cosmi
knows he will have to work on his players' mental strength after
taking over from Delio Rossi who was sacked following Sunday's
club record 7-0 home defeat by Udinese in Serie A.
"It's a difficult result to swallow and we'll have some
psychological work to do as so often happens when a coach takes
over," the 52-year-old said as he was officially unveiled on
Tuesday. "There are problems everywhere but I'm sure I'll be
managing a side with bags of quality."
Cosmi, who is Palermo's 13th coach since president Maurizio
Zamparini bought the Sicilian club in 2002, wants a place in
Europe next season for the eighth-placed team and success in the
Italian Cup in which they play AC Milan in the semi-finals.
"The president Zamparini is a person who wants to take the
club forward," he said. "He's told me the goal is the Champions
League."
Earlier, Delio Rossi paid an emotional farewell at a news
conference in Sicily to his former players and the fans with
whom he said he "built a relationship based on mutual respect.
"Coaches and presidents come and go but there will always be
a Palermo," he added. "Everybody knew the game was over. It was
just a matter of when."
Delio Rossi took over from Walter Zenga in November 2009,
leading Palermo to fifth place in Serie A within two points of a
Champions League place in their most successful season ever.
But after Sunday's 7-0 hammering, in which Palermo suffered
their third straight defeat after finishing the match with nine
men, Zamparini exploded.
"The team is broken. He's ruined my Palermo," said the club
owner despite their relatively healthy league position.
Without referring to Zamparini directly, Rossi defended
himself.
"I don't mind criticism of my tactics but one thing I will
not accept are personal attacks. I have my dignity," he said
between tears. "Thanks to everybody. Don't you cry too. It will
only make it more difficult than it already is."