Sunday 31 May 2009

Mission accomplished for Papadopulo

Giuseppe Papadopulo has steered Bologna to Serie A safety describing the achievement as an impossible survival made possible.

BolognaPapadopulo was appointed in mid-April and their 3-1 victory over Catania at the Stadio Dall'Ara mathematically secured Bologna's top flight status, while sending Torino down into Serie B.

"It was a journey fraught with difficulty, but already when we drew 1-1 away to Torino we became convinced we could escape relegation," Papadopulo said.


"In the final weekend we were rewarded and now we can celebrate at the end of a fightback that was so tough we never had time to draw breath.

"We emerged from this situation with some great performances, some not so great, but I think the real difference was made by the character of the lads in these last few rounds.

Papadopulo was the third coach to lead the club this campaign following Daniele Arrigoni and Sinisa Mihajlovic and he is confident he will remain with the Rossoblu next season.

"I had a deal with the club that I would remain if we achieved safety, so I don't see why I should leave now," he added.

"When you get important results in difficult arenas as I have, it means you can bring something to the table. I don't see why I should abdicate."

Club President Francesca Menarini was delighted after the club, in their centenary year, achieved the objective for the season on the final day of the season.

"The initial aim was to stay up and that is what we have achieved," she said. "We have all suffered so much in recent years, but now there is great joy.

"I dedicate this to the magnificent fans, the coach and players, and the city of Bologna. All of them have contributed in this rescue mission."

Francesca Menarini, who took over as owner with her father Renzo in September, commented on the future of coach Papadopulo, saying: "It is not the time to talk about this. We will talk about the future from tomorrow. Now, let us enjoy."

Source: Bologna

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