Prandelli blasts former club, defends Lippi

(GSM) – Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has taken a jibe at former club Fiorentina, blaming its board for his departure from the post.

Prandelli left Fiorentina in the summer to coach the Azzurri in what has been seen as a bitter split from the Viola after six years at the helm.

The 53-year-old Italian manager was critical of players who often criticize their ex-coaches after one of his former players, goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, has surprisingly revealed that he never enjoyed playing under Prandelli.

“I am tired of players who criticise their ex-tacticians,” said Prandelli. “Some players preferred to think they were better than they really were, so they put the blame on the Coach.

“Why did I leave? When a Vice-President tells you that if you want to go, you are free, and the patron will only speak to the squad when you’re not in the room, you feel undermined.”

Meanwhile Prandelli has also defended former Italy manager Marcello Lippi after the latter was vilified in the Italian media wiped out Lippi’s 2006 World Cup triumph after a dismal 2010 World Cup campaign.

“It’s obvious the Nazionale had problems in South Africa, but that’s a long way from denying Lippi’s merits throughout his two spells on the Italy bench. Some people act as if the 2006 victory had never happened,” argued Prandelli.

With the UEFA verdict for the violence that took place the Serbia-Italy clash, which took place earlier this month, expected to take place tomorrow on whether the Azzurri will be given a 3-0 victory, Prandelli has pointed his finger at the lack of a ‘sporting culture’ in Italy.

“It was such a sad sight, especially for all those children who with their passion and candour try to experience our sport and are instead pushed away by pointless violence,” said the Italy Coach.

“The lack of a sporting culture is endemic in our country and this is why emotions run too high around football.

With the Italian media known to pounce on coaches for criticism when results are not up to the required standards, Prandelli insists he is proud full responsibility of his choices with the Italian national team.

“I am well aware that I must share the results of my work with 45 million Italians. I take on the full responsibility of my choices, knowing that I have the honour of representing our country.”