Novellino staying put at Samp
Genoa, May18 (SW) - Walter Novellino, the young and highly rated tactician of the Serie A, has denied all reports linking him with a move to Juventus. The modest Italian admitted to being somewhat flattered by the reports but reiterated his loyalty to Sampdoria.
Juventus are facing a somewhat uncertain future after all the legal ramblings and investigations of the past few months and the fans of ‘The Old Lady‘ cannot bear to think of their beloved club relegated to Serie B as punishment.
But it is a distinct possibility. Enter Novellino, the Serie B escapologist, renowned for his work in bringing clubs like Venezia, Napoli, Piacenza, Doria and of course Sampdoria, to the Serie A.
“
Could I join Juventus if they were in Serie B? It’s always nice to be associated with a club like that, but they know that I have a contract at Samp,” said Novellino.
“
I am already working towards the new season with Sampdoria, looking at who to buy.
“As for what is happening in the game right now, we need to clarify the situation and clean things up quickly.”
But there is no smoke without fire and alarm bells were ringing at Sampdoria last weekend after the last match of the season. After losing 3-1 at home to relegated Lecce, Novellino launched a scathing attack on his players, saying,
"The season ends in the same vein as the last two and a half months: without organisation, enthusiasm or passion.
"There wasn't even any dignity on an individual level and we paid the price for that."
Sampdoria have had a mediocre season too, finishing in 14th place on 41 points. Maybe, just maybe, if Juve were to be relegated, this young tactical genius would see the job in Turin as more of a challenge than the job in Genoa.
http://www.soccerway.com/news/2006/may/18/novellino-staying-put-at-samp