Joe Tacopina returns to the Mazza stadium: tensions with the ultras and reflections on the future of Spal

Unscheduled at the Mazza stadium, where after a long absence he is seen again Joe Tacopina. The ultras they don't give discounts to the president not even when he goes out on the pitch to pay homage to captain Antenucci. At that point, however, Joe decides not to ignore the Curva Ovest, to whom he ironically sends kisses that are received as a provocation. Then Tacopina appears in front of the microphones and speaks across the pitch: "I am satisfied and frustrated at the same time – says the president –. It was important to win: we only had one result available and when we play like this it is difficult to beat us. The frustration instead comes from the fact that I would have liked to see the team play like this for the whole season. The playouts? We lost twice with Milan Futuro, but now we are a different team. It was a difficult season for everyone, including me and Follano. We have entered many deaf and suffered a lot: we had set up a team to compete at high levels but we find ourselves in this situation. In my 15 years in Italian football this is the most difficult season. But the hard times go away and the hard people remain: let's move forward with confidence, by playing like this we will save ourselves. The future? Many say that I should sell the club, but it is difficult to find someone willing to invest 12 million a year: if that were the case I would be willing to listen to them. But at the moment it is not like that, so let's move forward: regardless of the category I will not abandon the project". President Tacopina does not spare a dig at the ultras: "I felt a lot of affection from those who were in the stands - he assures -. Those who love Spal are not those who came to attack us at the sports center or confronted two players in the square or sang inappropriate chants during the minute of silence. If they want to buy Spal they can do so through a collection raising 10-12 million, then they can manage it as they please. I love 99,9% of the people of Ferrara, I don't care what this minority says. Certain acts of violence have also driven away some potential investors: the real fans are those who have always been there and always support the team. Despite everything, for me it was a good day. The revolution? We didn't change because I'm moody, but because I'm looking for success. I like stability, but I didn't see any other solutions. This year the results aren't coming, but I continue to have faith in the people I've chosen and it's not the time to distribute blame".

Stefano Manfredini