TMW
From today Leandro Rinaudo is no longer the sporting director of Palermo. The manager – waiting to start over with a new project – retraced the stages of his experience with the rosanero in a press conference organized at the R2 Sports sports center in Bagheria (Palermo). “I am proud to have had this experience with Palermo, I played with this shirt, was responsible for the youth sector and director of the first team. I have to thank Dario Mirri for the opportunity he gave me to return to Palermo, when he called me it was the first time I approached Serie D and I came from Serie B: that call sparked something important in me, I wanted to give something to these colors I’m a fan of. I say thank you to the City Football Group for the opportunity they gave me with the first team and I am proud of the reconstruction work done with the youth sector which Bogdani then continued”, says the Palermo sporting director. “In recent years I have spoken little about club policy, I have aligned myself with the club’s guidelines. But I have always taken responsibility. I didn’t put my face on it publicly during the seasons because this was the ownership line and – continues Rinaudo – I adapted”.
How did it enter into the decision-making processes?
“The principle of sharing applies in the City Football Group. I had my space and I related to agents and colleagues, but when you share a job it is clear that decisions are made in a collegial manner. This experience completed me: after the opportunities with Italian clubs I had the chance to grow professionally. I learned English and I feel more complete.”
Do you have any regrets?
“My dream was to bring Palermo to Serie A as a manager after my career as a footballer. The first year the objective was salvation and we finished eighth, last year the bar was raised and we started well, then we had some ups and downs but Serie B is a very demanding championship and the objective was that to be competitive: we reached the playoff semi-final. Sometimes I heard my family members who perhaps listened to some criticism but I was always excited because Palermo gives you great happiness.”
Have you had any contacts to get back on track?
“I spoke with three Serie B clubs. But I preferred to wait. I want to find the right solution to be able to express myself. I will use this break period to update myself professionally and build the relationships I have created.”
