Massimo Cellino often brings a unique perspective to the world of Italian football.
Massimo Cellino, a name synonymous with the volatile, passionate, and sometimes perplexing world of Italian football, has once again made headlines with an interview that is as candid as it is characteristic. The former owner of both Cagliari and Brescia Calcio, known for his unconventional style and outspoken views, recently shared a torrent of reflections, regrets, and startling personal revelations with L`Unione Sarda. His insights offer a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a man who has shaped, and been shaped by, the beautiful game for decades.
The Brescia Burden: A Tale of `Evil` and Misfortune
For Cellino, his tenure at Brescia, which ended with the club`s relegation to Serie C after financial penalties, appears to be a source of profound regret – and a touch of the supernatural. “Taking it was my biggest mistake,” he admitted, attributing the club`s ill fate to an unfortunate birth date and, rather dramatically, “the evil one.” The former owner claimed he was unaware of Brescia`s July 17 founding date, a number he clearly associates with bad luck. Furthermore, he lamented the “widespread blasphemy” in the city, suggesting it attracted malevolent forces, despite having built a chapel at the club`s training ground in fulfillment of a Serie A promotion vow. One might question the direct correlation between local linguistic habits and footballing misfortunes, but Cellino`s conviction remains unshaken. He also asserts he was defrauded regarding the club`s financial health, inheriting a staggering €12 million in undeclared VAT debts, a situation that undoubtedly fueled his sense of betrayal.
Cagliari`s Embrace: A Return to Roots and a Critique of Modern Football
In stark contrast to his Brescia woes, Cellino`s 22-year reign at Cagliari evokes a deep, almost poetic nostalgia. “I miss Cagliari because it represented my youth, the most beautiful and hardest years of my life, but only good memories,” he shared. This sentiment underscores a poignant connection to the Sardinian club, a bond forged over more than two decades. However, his affection for the past is tempered by a scathing assessment of the present state of Italian football. “The system has exploded, and those who manage the Federation have devastated football,” he declared, articulating a frustration widely felt by many purists. For Cellino, the game has lost its soul, replaced by a system where fair play is a foreign concept: “I like to play at tables where no one cheats.”
Allegri: A Genius Confined by Comfort Zones
Among his many observations, Cellino offered a nuanced, if somewhat pointed, evaluation of Massimiliano Allegri, the celebrated Italian coach whose career he helped launch at Cagliari. “He is still one of the best in the world,” Cellino acknowledged, a testament to Allegri`s tactical prowess. Yet, he didn`t shy away from highlighting perceived limitations: “His limit is that he is very provincial and never wanted to learn English and never wanted to confront himself: he has an extra gear, but he always chose the easiest path.” This critique hints at a broader philosophical difference, suggesting Allegri`s reluctance to step out of his comfort zone, particularly internationally, might have hindered an even greater legacy. It`s a sentiment that, while perhaps tinged with personal history, offers a fascinating perspective on one of football`s most successful managers.
The Unseen Battles: Debts, Deception, and a Devil`s Tail
Cellino’s deep-seated resentment towards the circumstances surrounding Brescia`s downfall goes beyond mere bad luck. He feels victimized, not just by financial misrepresentation but also by a wider system he believes is rigged. He cited the case of Sampdoria, claiming they avoided relegation despite €200 million in debt, implying an unfair standard. “My misfortune was the devil`s tail,” he reiterated, a powerful metaphor for the series of negative events he believes conspired against him. While some might dismiss these as the ramblings of a frustrated man, his perspective offers a sharp critique of the opaque financial dealings and perceived inconsistencies within the highest echelons of Italian football governance. To him, Brescia’s 33 Serie A seasons in 115 years is not his fault, but evidence of an inherent “maliciousness” within the club`s very fabric – a statement likely to ruffle a few feathers in Lombardy.
A Brush with Darkness: A Kidnapping Attempt in Youth
Perhaps the most startling revelation came when Cellino recounted a terrifying attempted kidnapping in 1978, at the tender age of 22. “They tried to kidnap me on Viale La Plaia… There were three armed people, with machine guns pointed,” he recalled, detailing his narrow escape and the subsequent family decision to move to Australia. This deeply personal anecdote sheds light on the perilous realities that sometimes underpin the lives of prominent figures in Italy, adding a layer of vulnerability and resilience to Cellino`s public persona. It reminds us that behind the often-eccentric public pronouncements lies a man who has faced real danger, a life marked by more than just football boardroom battles.
The Enduring Enigma
Massimo Cellino remains a captivating, often contradictory figure in football. His latest interview is a testament to his enduring personality: a blend of shrewd business acumen, deeply held beliefs (however superstitious they may seem), and an unyielding readiness to speak his mind. From blaming “the evil one” for Brescia`s fate to offering a candid assessment of a top manager like Allegri, and even sharing a harrowing personal escape, Cellino continues to offer a unique, vibrant, and undeniably human narrative in a sport increasingly dominated by corporate uniformity. Whether you agree with his perspectives or not, one thing is certain: Italian football would be a far less colorful place without Massimo Cellino.
