Zdenek Zeman has claimed that Pescara have went back on their word to hire him next season – after they wanted him to work for free.
The attack-minded Czech previously had a one season spell in charge of the club in 2011/12 when the likes of Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne helped lead them to the title and promotion – but he left at the end of the campaign to return to Roma.
But in an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, he launched a stinging attack on the club, saying: “I confirm that in an interview last Tuesday, after talking to sporting director [Giuseppe] Pavone, [president Daniele] Sebastiani told me on the phone that I would be the new coach of Pescara.
“Then I was told I would have to work for free… We had spoken in Rome and on the phone about the team that would be put together. I am saddened that a person who I have had a close relationship with over the years, did not even have the decency to tell me himself about the change in ideas.
“He did not even answer the phone. To keep my word, I avoided talking to other clubs and focused only on Pescara because my word has value and I will always have it.”
Club president Sebastiani responded to Zeman’s claims in similar fiery fashion, telling Gazzetta: “I did not put forward any indecent proposal. Unfortunately, I do not understand this particular coach as a person at all.”
Zeman will be confirmed as the new coach of Swiss side Lugano at a press conference on Wednesday evening.
