Palermo president Zamparini explains Panucci departure: I can't have a collaborator who causes more problems than he fixes

24-Apr-2012 11:40:00 PM

The eccentric Rosanero supremo, who has dismissed 20 coaches during his 10-year tenure, has explained how the pair clashed three times in just 15 days

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has lashed out at ex-sporting director Christian Panucci, claiming the former Italy international "caused more problems than he fixed".

Panucci only took up his new position in March but, as the Rosanero supremo explains, the 39-year-old lasted just over a month before parting company with the club in acrimonious circumstances.

“The thing that I found disconcerting was that in 15 days we clashed three times," Zamparini explained during a press conference confirming Panucci's departure from the Renzo Barbera. "He has to understand that being a director is different from being a player.

“He was meant to call me in order to apologise, but instead sent me a letter tending his resignation.

“Panucci is not ready in terms of character for a job like this and cannot work as a director of sport. I can’t have a collaborator in the club who causes more problems than he fixes.

“I wish him all the best and at least he proved that he’s not doing it just for the money. It’s a shame, as he could’ve grown here, but the club has done nothing it needs to regret.”

Zamparini, who took control of Palermo in 2002 while they were still in Serie B, is considered one of the most eccentric characters in Italian football and has sacked 20 coaches during his tenure so far.

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