Ballardini Optimistic; Foggia Staying?

By: Jeremy | December 31st, 2007

We finally heard from Cellinos latest coaching victim, David Ballardini, and of course he said all the right things. You know, bad luck, team is solid, just not getting results, and there are a lot of promising players etc. He specifically mentioned Foggia by saying “Foggia is a great player, he needs to grow in every aspect of his game. He has excellent quality and I would like for him to show that in a Cagliari jersey”.

Before you get your hopes up that Foggia will be a key figure in the teams second half revival, he also said that we have three strikers who are “talented and young”. The only thing he got right is that they are young. I like Acquafrescas future, but he is still a couple of years away before he becomes a striker who is a difference maker. I am not a fan of Matri or Larrivey. They are simply not Serie A level strikers. Acquafresca needs a strike partner with real talent and experience to help him shine until he grows into a dominating force.

I dont think Ballardini would have mentioned Foggia in such detail if there was not a strong chance he stays for the rest of the season. Cagliari has co ownership rights with Lazio so they have some say if he is to be sold. If they truly want to stay up they need him so hopefully Cellino will do the right thing and keep him for now although I am sure there will be offers from bigger clubs over the next few weeks. I know Foggia is dying to leave, but once he realizes he is stuck for the rest of the season maybe his pride will show and he will lead the team to safety.

Ballardini has the Giampaolo experience of being around for a few games only to get replaced by Sonetti so he understands who his boss is and that stability is not likely. No matter what he says and how positive he is about the team in a press conference or interviews, he knows they need a serious influx of talent that includes atleast one striker and midfielder to help Foggia. Without these new players, any thought of staying up will soon evaporate and Ballardini will be out of a job before Spring.

Ill pass more serious judgment on the teams future once the transfer window has closed.