Palermo Club Focus: Rosanero In Crisis With Mutti’s Job Hanging In The Balance Already

Bortolo Mutti wasn’t an attractive appointment when it was announced he was to become the next Palermo coach, and he doesn’t look any more the motivating catalyst that Maurizio Zamparini had hoped him to be, after his side slumped to their sixth defeat in their last nine matches in a dismal loss at Chievo on Sunday afternoon.

The Rosanero, a team who haven’t won since November last year, now seem desperately devoid of any inspiration or coordination, something which became depressingly clear in the game at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi. Palermo lacked any fluidity, and despite the absence of numerous players through injury, it was clear that whatever Mutti was trying, it wasn’t succeeding. Palermo managed just two shots on target in the entire ninety minutes.

There was always the risk of Mutti losing his job should events at Chievo not go Palermo’s way, after throwing away a two-goal lead at Novara before withdrawing Palermo’s best player Franco Vazquez half way through his debut against Napoli, rendering the game all but lost. Now he must be rather anxiously waiting for the inevitable phone call. This time though, it’s different to previous Rosanero coaches. For once, Palermo fans wouldn’t mind if he was sacked. After the Chievo match, Mutti spoke of his side’s “great” performance, begging the question; has he still got control of his mental faculties?

“I saw a good Palermo, keep it up!” he said. If we keep this up, the only direction we’re heading is Serie B. It now seems obvious that unless something is done, whether that is replacing the coach with the previously sacked Devis Mangia – probably the best man available – or managing to make some seriously big signings before the window shuts, Palermo will be dragged into a relegation dogfight. Following today’s game, they are down to 14th in the table, a meagre six points outside the relegation zone.

The midfield is the area that badly needs strengthening, with the right-back position and the strike force also in need of bolstering. The midfield trio in today’s 4-3-2-1 failed to impress, with the team awfully disjointed and seriously lacking in quality. Mauricio Pinilla barely had a shot to make, and Chievo stopper Stefano Sorrentino was surplus to requirements. Angelo Palombo seems to have snubbed the Rosanero for Fiorentina, and a new target needs to be identified quickly – preferably the Sicilian Gaetano d’Agostino (I can dream!).

This time last year Palermo were sat sixth place in the table, with Javier Pastore the focal point of the team and Delio Rossi working wonders from the bench. One year, four coaches and numerous high-profile sales on, look where we are now. Napoli are a shining example of what a team can achieve through sensible guidance and management from the club president. I’d say Zamparini should watch and learn. Only Zampa never learns.

Follow Jack Sargeant on Twitter: @sargeant_j.

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