Garrone supports sidelined Cassano

Sampdoria's president, Riccardo Garrone has come out in support of Antonio Cassano, after the club's star player has been sidelined by coach Luigi Del Neri again.

Prior to last weeks match against Udinese there was much confusion over the reason for Cassano's absence from the team picked to make the trip to Udine. Del Neri maintained that he was making a tactical decision and no other motivation was needed to justify his actions. As it happened Sampdoria showed great character to come from behind twice to win 3-2. The proof is on the pitch, as they say.

The club has gone to great lengths to assure the media that there has been no breakdown between Cassano and Del Neri, saying that the player accepted the coaches decision calmly and maturely. It has been revealed in the Genovese press that Cassano only asked that no excuses were made or lies told about being sidelined through injury. To add to the confusion Cassano has picked up some soreness in a right knee tendon and had a reduced training regime this week, but Del Neri maintained at his Friday press conference that his tactical choice to leave Cassano out remained the same regardless.

Later on in the evening, the Sampdoria President commented whilst attending a sports medicine event in Genova, stating:

"The Cassano situation will be handled with particular attention because he is an extraordinary resource, an extraordinary asset... and I'd never say otherwise. We are watching closely, however Del Neri is the manager and evidently there is full adhesion to his choices and opinions regarding the team from the Administrator and the President."

He also clearly responded to the questions regarding offers that may have arrived for Cassano in the last few days of the January transfer window, saying:

"They would have to be well above the 20 million euro recessionary clause in his contract and this is also the desire of the player. I don't think it is possible and given that the market is over in two days time, I don't see this offer materialising."

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