Following the official announcement relating to the appointment of Andrea Catellani as the new sporting director of Modena, our editorial team interviewed Juri Drummers (245 appearances for the gialloblù from 2004 to 2011 in Serie B), Catellani’s former teammate in the Canary jersey in the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons and now coach of Cesena’s Under 17 team. Below are the words of the former Modena defender.
CATELLANI – “With Andrea, after the seasons spent together at Modena, they then parted ways, as is normal in the world of football. We spoke when I learned that he had become responsible for the youth sector in Modena: I called him to wish him good luck. In the days when we played together we had a good relationship: I remember that we went fishing together and for me the relationship remains the same as it was then. Each of us has powers that can allow us to do anything. Today the world of football has changed, it is more organised: Andrea has always been a very determined person and aware of what he wants to achieve, so it is natural that, if he took this path, it is because evidently his objective was to leave from young people to adults. He has had various experiences in the youth sector, then this opportunity arose: he will certainly try not to let it slip away. He has a club behind him that will help him from many points of view and put him in a position to work at his best. I can’t help but wish him the best of luck: I hope he can achieve great results. I am very attached to Modena and I still follow the team a lot: when Serie B plays, the first result I look for is that of Modena.”
MODENA – “I followed Modena’s season, also because I am a very good friend of Pensalfini (he was Mr. Bianco’s second on the Canary bench, ed.). It was an anomalous season, where a young coach was chosen but with many admirers. I was surprised by the fact that the team, which had started very well, then suffered a decline when there was a need for continuity which led to negative results which meant that Modena began to fall in the standings, approaching the critical positions. Then came the change on the bench because the club had probably realized that something wasn’t working internally. Looking at the president’s statements even in recent years, it seems that the intentions for the future are quite clear. I’m always of the idea of keeping my feet on the ground, without making big proclamations. Before evaluating the team’s objectives for next season we need to wait for the transfer market. Behind the team, however, there is a club with broad shoulders: one can only stay close to a club like this, willing to make investments for the growth of the youth sector, sports center and stadium, regardless of whether the results come or not. ”.
CESENA – “Here in Cesena Bisoli, together with Castori, is one of those coaches who have left a wonderful memory by winning championships. He is certainly a coach who knows the cadetry, a championship different from all the others. Cesena and Modena are my two “homes”: even if they “don’t get along” in terms of football, I make them get along within me. For Cesena it was important to move up in category, also for the growth of the kids in the youth sector who will now face more demanding championships. Last year with the Under 16s we won the Italian championship and this year we are trying again with the Under 17s. Coaching is a completely different thing from playing football: by training kids, I feel more like an educator than a coach. The youth sector should not be seen by companies as a cost, but as a resource.”
