During the interview granted to the microphones of Telenorththe CEO of Genoa Andres Blazquez spoke about a possible European objective for the Griffon: “This year we had a squad worth 29 million on the field and a squad worth 25 million outside. We had two teams. One made up of boys who were growing, who return this year and we’ll see what to do in the training camp. We spent around 55 million on the squad but 40% were not here. This year we will be able to lower the cost of those who are out, the squad will be around 35 million and there will still be 10-12 million left. The following year, of those 10-12 million, there will still be practically 2-3 million left or maybe nothing. These will be investments we make, young people we make and they will have more time to come back to us. Like Marcandalli, Accornero or Fini who will come to the training camp with we”.
The timings
On the timing, the rossoblù CEO comments: “When we manage to put together a squad of around 40 million, that is the value that will lead us to always be competitive for a European cup. We are not there yet. We are still 10 million below. This year with 30 million we did better than many teams who spent much more but it takes more time to reach that sustainability. Next year we hope to make more revenues, have a team that costs a little more and maybe in a year we can think of being more competitive. The idea will be to get as high as possible but we know that next year will be difficult.”
The market
The discussion then moves on to the incoming market and the roles that Grifone are looking for: “There are a few positions we are looking for. In defense we are quite good, perhaps we are looking at some right backs. We will do something in the middle of the pitch, offensive midfielder and then maybe Martinez will leave and a goalkeeper will arrive? There are ten players like that. We have to sell when the price is right and when we have a player who can fill that void. Sometimes there is no need, like for example with Dragusin. We conceded fewer goals and scored more without him. Gilardino did a great job with the defense with a module that did very well without Radu.”
