Mazzone: I am new Livorno boss
Tuesday 7 February, 2006
Carlo Mazzone is the new Livorno Coach after Roberto Donadoni explained the reasons behind his shock resignation.
Donadoni surprised everyone this afternoon by quitting the sixth-place club following a row with President Aldo Spinelli.
A few hours later, 68-year-old tactician Mazzone announced to news service ANSA that he has signed a six-month contract to take over at the Stadio Armando Picchi.
However, as he still has a one-match touchline ban to sit out from last season’s tenure at relegated Bologna, the former Roma boss will make his official debut in Sunday’s home derby with another of his old clubs, Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, Donadoni has spoken out on the reasons behind his surprise resignation.
“This is the most difficult and painful decision of my career, especially as it comes just before an important match against Ascoli and it is not my style to duck out of responsibility to anyone,” he explained in an open letter to the media.
“If I decided to take a decision that was as sudden as it was irrevocable, it is because I had no other choice. The fact that I was unable to talk to the President, who I knew was upset after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Messina, does not represent a valid reason. The least I would’ve expected was an open and honest discussion with Spinelli before he went on live television to criticise my work. If the intent was to force my resignation, then he got his wish.”
Spinelli caused shockwaves when he went on television last night and openly blamed Donadoni for Livorno’s recent problems, hinting that failure to beat Ascoli on Wednesday would see a change of direction for the club.
“It is not my intention to put obstacles in the way of the evident wishes of President Spinelli, who I remain eternally grateful to for giving me my first Serie B and top flight Coaching jobs.”
Cristiano Lucarelli’s agent, Carlo Pallavicino, revealed some of the background to this fall-out.
“I was Donadoni’s representative for 18 years and he is a great friend of him,” he told Radio Radio.
“It’s a simple issue. Roberto was chasing Spinelli throughout Monday in a bid to discuss the game, but when he finally answered his mobile in the evening, said he wasn’t feeling well with a bout of flu. Yet 20 minutes later he was on live television to criticise Donadoni. At that point, Roberto decided to resign.”
There are rumours that the real split was between fan favourite Lucarelli and the Coach, but his agent denied any such claims.
“This is a shameful accusation. On Monday the squad and tactician got together to analyse the Messina match in a constructive atmosphere. In any case, we know what Spinelli is like, as he’s had trouble with many Coaches in his time.”
The squad also gave its salute to Donadoni in an official statement released on the club website.
“We wish to express our sincere regrets at Donadoni’s departure, but respect his wishes. Our rapport with the Coach was based on the utmost respect and collaboration, both on a personal and professional level. We take this opportunity to give him our sincere thanks and wish good luck in the rest of his career.