Pippo Inzaghi returns to Serie A as the new coach of Salernitana and admits he ‘convinced the club’ to hire him, as he is still feeling bruised by the ill-fated experience at Reggina.
The club took the decision to sack Paulo Sousa this week after a dismal start to the season, managing only three draws and five defeats, failing to win a single Serie A game.
The last three rounds saw them concede eight goals and score none, the 3-0 defeat to Monza ultimately proving the final straw.
Inzaghi had been at Reggina in Serie B last season, but the club went bankrupt in August.
“I thank the President, the club and all those who called. I wanted a rest, but I was already fed up and couldn’t take it anymore,” joked SuperPippo in his press conference.
“I was waiting for the right call to come along. I didn’t know if this football world deserved my honesty anymore, I wanted to make sure my staff and I could get back to working the way we love.
“I wish Sousa all the best, because in my view he did well, and I will try to save this team from relegation because I think we can do it. We need all of you.
“We must bring enthusiasm back to the side and the only promise I can make is that if my team does not battle on the pitch, then I will go home. A team with 10 internationals in the squad cannot be forced to fight against relegation.”
The 50-year-old was one of several options for Salernitana after the Sousa dismissal and reveals he was by no means the first choice.
“I convinced the club to sign me. I stayed up all night waiting for the phone call to come. It wasn’t about being in Serie A, I would happily have worked in Serie C or B. It’s like when I was a player, I give all of myself. I have won and lost, but I always got back on my feet.
“After all, I scored over 300 goals and people still complained I had a terrible first touch…”
Inzaghi is still feeling somewhat bruised after the experience at Reggina, who had been in the running for promotion until they were docked points for financial irregularities and eventually excluded from Serie B after weeks of legal battles.
“Every coach would like to start the season, but I felt the moral obligation to wait and see what happened at Reggina.”