Spalletti: We can control Cassano Friday 19 August, 2005
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A new deal to keep Antonio Cassano at Roma for another year is in the works, but Luciano Spalletti is sick of other clubs interfering.
“We do not need the directors of other sides telling us how we should deal with Cassano,” slammed the Coach after some well-publicised comments regarding the starlet. “I am counting on him for this season and Roma need him. He is training well and focused, so I expect we’ll see the best of him this year.”
The ex-Bari player has hit headlines for all the wrong reasons over the last few months, arguing with a series of tacticians, threatening to walk out, refusing to sign a contract extension and publicly confirming his desire to work with Fabio Capello at Juventus.
Cassano’s temperament and importance for the Italian national squad has made him a much talked-about figure in the Press, with everyone from Juventus director general Luciano Moggi to Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti commenting on what should be done to tame his temper.
He was even dropped from Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly victory in the Republic of Ireland and it’s reported that snub from Marcello Lippi further infuriated him.
“I don’t think it’s unusual for him to be irritated at that decision,” added Spalletti. “Besides, even if he was angry, we don’t need directors from other clubs telling us how to deal with Cassano.”
The main reason for his uncertainty lies with his contract situation, as the current deal expires in June 2006 and he would be a free agent at the end of this season. With Juve patron Lapo Elkann already proclaiming they were ready to snap up him in 12 months’ time, Roma are preparing a new strategy to avoid being left empty-handed.
It’s claimed a new contract has been proposed offering £2.2m per season with the added bonus of a buy-out clause so that Cassano could leave the Giallorossi for an agreed fee next July.
Meanwhile, Spalletti has analysed what he hopes to achieve with the club this term. “There’s no escaping the fact that the Scudetto will be won by one of Juve, Milan and Inter. Roma can challenge for something important with Palermo, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Udinese. Nonetheless, anything can happen in football and we’ll try to make the most of our chances. The best team wins only if it learns to act like a provincial squad and battle for every ball.”
The former Udinese boss also had a stark warning for the likes of Francesco Totti and Cassano. “We must improve our discipline – I don’t like the fact that Roma are one of Serie A’s most booked sides. Professionals need to keep their cool on the pitch, as that is how you get points.”
source: channel4.com
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