Ghirardi confirms Cuper deal

[dukeofdavinci]

Ghirardi confirms Cuper deal Tuesday 11 March, 2008

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President Tommaso Ghirardi is ready to unveil Hector Cuper as the new Coach of Parma this evening.

Di Carlo was given his marching orders after the Crociati’s 2-1 defeat against Sampdoria on Sunday.

After two days of fierce speculation with Nevio Scala, Gianni De Biasi and Carlo Mazzone in the frame, Ducali chief Ghirardi has revealed his selection.

“The contract hasn’t been signed yet, but the deal is practically done,” he stated at the Collecchio Sports Centre.

“We had 36 hours to decide and in the end we opted for an experienced boss like Cuper because he can quickly help us out of this situation.

“Cuper will arrive in Italy later this afternoon and we will formalise the deal that is already in place.

“We have spoken on the telephone and hopefully a contract will be signed this evening.”

The new man joins Parma with the Emilia-Romagna outfit only clear of the drop zone on goal difference.

Cuper has been out of work since leaving Real Betis last year and is best remembered in the peninsula for his spell at Inter.

The Argentine tactician was at San Siro between 2001 and 2003 when he secured second and third-placed finishes and lost out to city rivals Milan in the Champions League semi-finals of 2002-03.

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[dukeofdavinci]

Ghirardi hails Hector effect Tuesday 18 March, 2008

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Parma President Tommaso Ghirardi has praised new Coach Hector Cuper for his positive start at the Stadio Tardini.

Former Inter boss Cuper replaced the inexperienced Domenico Di Carlo on March 10 and secured a 1-1 draw at Livorno in his debut last weekend.

The Argentine tactician still has a tough test ahead with the Ducali embroiled in a relegation dogfight, but Ghirardi is already more confident with him at the helm.

“Cuper doesn’t have a magic wand, but after just a few days he has already brought an air of calm,” the Crociati chief declared on Primaradio.

“The draw in Livorno has calmed us down, even if we know that every game is crucial now if we are to survive.

“The Palermo match on Wednesday is huge. The Rosanero side is full of excellent players who will be determined to bounce back after losing to Inter.

“They are a team to be feared, but as a President I can only feel optimistic.”

Palermo have often been haunted by former players this term and Parma are ready to unleash Igor Budan, Andrea Gasbarroni and Stefano Morrone.

“I’m not hoping for a positive day for the ex-players,” Ghirardi insisted. “I am just hoping for a positive day for the whole team. With Cuper in charge I know that my hopes can become reality.”

channel4.com - Football Italia