[dukeofdavinci]

Clubs reject resignations Sunday 2 September, 2007

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Lazio and Catania have both rejected the resignation of their directors after disappointing transfer campaigns.

The Biancocelesti were criticised by their fans when the transfer deadline passed without the arrival of a prestigious new goalkeeper or defender, so Walter Sabatini handed in his resignation on Saturday.


“We have to maintain a balance in the locker room and I am interested in results,” said Lazio President Claudio Lotito (pictured).


“Sabatini’s resignation was all the fault of the journalists. This team is competitive in part thanks to him. I have rejected his offer to quit, although I am not sure if I can convince him to go back on it, he is a proud man who works quietly in the background.


“The problem with this club is that it doesn’t have the winning attitude. Look at Milan and how little they changed this summer, but they win because they have the right mental approach.


“The entire Lazio squad is with the director of sport and the players are not unsatisfied with the transfer market. He did nothing wrong, other than having his work picked apart by the media.”


The main embarrassment was the collapse of the deal to sign goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, who failed to register as an EC national.


“Lazio have an option to buy him, but for now he is still registered with River Plate. When the chance presents itself, we will bring him in. Will it be in January? I don’t know, I’m not psychic.”


President Lotito, who is not known for keeping a diplomatic air of secrecy over his dealings, also reveals other setbacks.


“I don’t know why Roberto Baronio didn’t accept the Levante move, you’d have to ask him. Fabio Firmani was also meant to leave, he is not part of our plans, but he didn’t reach an agreement on personal terms with Livorno.


“We had a deal for Boca Juniors midfielder Sebastian Battaglia as well, but his wife did not want the transfer to go through.”


Lazio are not the only club dealing with a surprise resignation, as Catania director general Pietro Lo Monaco also offered to quit.


“I immediately rejected the proposal and he will remain in his position to do his work,” said President Antonio Pulvirenti.


“He confided in me that he is going through a very stressful time and a lot of it is related to the problems we have had since that tragic February 2.”


During the Sicilian derby with Palermo, a group of Catania fans prompted a riot outside the Stadio Massimino, causing the death of police officer Filippo Raciti. Today the Massimino opens its doors again for the first time since that incident and the consequent ban.


Catania were also accused of encouraging violence in football last week when Coach Silvio Baldini incredibly kicked Parma boss Mimmo Di Carlo up the backside during a furious touchline row.

weird stuff.it is usually the other way around.