Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali confirmed that the club have no plans to sell Domenico Berardi in January. The Neroverdi managing director spoke with La Gazzetta dello Sport on a range of subjects, including Jose Mourinho’s comments after Roma’s recent win against Sassuolo:
Shall we take stock of the first part of the season?
“The grade is just enough. We knew it would be a difficult championship also because of the choices on the market: we took young players who need to mature and foreigners who need to integrate slowly. For us this is a year zero and we had already experienced a less happy season in the past, only to start again with momentum. However, in the comeback Sassuolo must return to the position it deserves. I would like salvation as soon as possible so that then we can have fun.
In the difficulties, Alessio Dionisi is confirming his qualities. Is he always at the centre of your project?
‘Of course. In a club like ours the coach is always the most important person because he embraces the project and carries it forward with enthusiasm and dedication. Even this year I assess his work in a positive way: I like the way he is facing the challenge. Then, if an important opportunity comes along for him as it did for De Zerbi, we’ll talk about it together’.
Does the thought of relegation not even cross your mind?
“Serie A is very difficult, saving yourself is complicated for everyone. However, we have the ambition of aiming for something more than salvation and we think that, partly due to our own mistakes, we are five points short.
How much did Mou’s comments about Berardi’s alleged impropriety bother you?
‘I was sorry to hear certain words from a great coach. For us education and respect are the basis of everything and nobody can teach us these things.”
Speaking of Berardi, will the torment start again in January?
“I’m not selling him, I’ll tell you that right now. I’m not selling anyone in January and, depending on the opportunities that arise, we’ll see what to do.
You won’t sell him even in the event of a large offer?
‘We listen to everyone and we evaluate. But in January we don’t sell important players.
Boga, however, was sold in January. Could it be Laurientè’s turn, if not Berardi’s?
‘Laurientè is more central to the project today than Boga was then. And on Berardi I would add this: he is a serious guy, a great professional who cares a lot about Sassuolo. In the summer, after I closed the deal, there was no need to clarify: sometimes silence is more important than words, especially between people who know each other well and esteem each other as we do.
In bad times is it better or worse to have few fans?
“In absolute terms it’s always worse. It’s true that there is less tension and young people can grow and make mistakes in a calm atmosphere, but the right pressure makes you improve faster. And many competitors for salvation get a good boost from their public’.
Italy regularly summons some players who were born or reborn in Sassuolo, before being sold. Is it your goal to rebuild a team with those values?
‘We want to be a reservoir for the national team, investing in young Italians. Sometimes you make mistakes, I always remember that the best is the one who makes the fewest mistakes, but my role involves certain risks. And I take them gladly. Our secret has always been planning in a sector where it is difficult for many reasons. But you have to look long, you can’t live from day to day.
Finally a look at Italian football: how is the situation?
‘Growing, thanks also to good results in the cups. We are also trying to offer a quality product abroad. And above all we are improving in terms of sustainability. All of us in the League must be united, looking more at the football system than at our own interests. It is not easy, but with a little good will we will succeed’.
