The Managerial Career of Vincenzo Di Stefano (Genoa CFC - Serie A)

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  • Qb
    All Star
    • Mar 2003
    • 8797

    #1

    The Managerial Career of Vincenzo Di Stefano (Genoa CFC - Serie A)

    Author's Note: I'm starting this thread after the fact and it's been quite some time since I've done this, so bear with me. The format will likely change over time, and it will be somewhat light until I get caught up with my career save. My intention is to focus on written content, mainly quick match results (not full recaps/box scores) and features on career developments like transfers, injuries, job offers, etc. I'm not anticipating video highlights -- I don't use Facebook at all -- but you never know. Maybe if I get to the point of having important matches, I'd livestream it on Twitch. At any rate, consider this a work in progress until I find my dynasty groove.





    Genoa Promotes From Within - Di Stefano in for 2013-14

    Despite saving Genoa from relegation after his appointment in January 2013, popular manager Davide Ballardini will not return for the upcoming season. Club president Enrico Preziosi announced today that youth & reserve team coach Vincenzo Di Stefano accepted a one-year contract to lead the Serie A club in what is expected to be a season of consolidation.



    Club President Enrico Preziosi clearly stated his expectations for the new manager


    "I am pleased to announce Vincenzo as our manager. He is well known and liked by the club and players from his work on the training ground, so while I understand skepticism from some sections of our supporters, I am confident in his ability to lead the club forward," stated Preziosi. When asked if Di Stefano's one-year contract signifies a continuation of the revolving door at manager that has marked his time in charge of the club, Preziosi was blunt, "That is up to him; his results will decide that. I understand we are not ready to challenge for Europe, but I will not accept another relegation fight. The cup is important as well, as it is a source of pride for the supporters. I want to see us advance past the early stages. If he can achieve these objectives, he will stay. If not, he will go."

    Di Stefano appeared at ease next to the controversial chairman, who has received multiple bans for transfer and financial irregularities during his tenure, as well as entering the dressing room during matches. Preziosi is known to be heavily involved in the club's transfer business, as can be expected with 10 managers in his 10 seasons in charge. Rumors suggest Di Stefano will have little to no input on any transfer deals during the summer window; however, Di Stefano seemed optimistic:

    "First, I am thrilled with the opportunity to manage Il Grifone. I got my start here as a youth, and while my playing career did not reach the heights I desired, I feel my experience in scouting and coaching at the reserve and youth levels will help me succeed in management. I'm anxious to put my stamp on the team both in terms of personnel and tactics, but I realize that can only happen over time. I am confident Mr. Preziosi will fully back me once he sees what I capable of. In fact, he's already made a considerable investment our youth academy at my request. I see it is as absolutely essential to develop talent from within if we wish to compete at the top of the table. The clubs able to challenge the traditional powers of Juventus, Inter, and Milan did it by developing players and doing intelligent business in the market. Napoli, Fiorentina, Udinese... they sold top players to top clubs and wisely re-invested. That is my vision; to acquire and develop talent within our resources while maximizing our performance on the pitch in working with the current squad.
    While many were impressed with Di Stefano's composure as his boss told everyone he'll be out the door if he doesn't produce immediate results, some in the media speculated his comments could upset the squad by implying he wants to reshape the team. Perhaps it's something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
    Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:50 PM.
  • Qb
    All Star
    • Mar 2003
    • 8797

    #2
    Re: The Managerial Career of Vincenzo Di Stefano (Genoa CFC - Serie A)

    Contrary to what some people might think, ol' Vincenzo is still alive & well. However, the journalist covering his exploits in Italy is in a coma and might not recover until the transfer window opens in January 2014.
    Last edited by Qb; 03-12-2014, 07:14 PM.

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    • Qb
      All Star
      • Mar 2003
      • 8797

      #3
      Early Season Update

      Cup Win, League Losses, and Burdisso Injured



      Burdisso signed from Roma during the summer transfer window


      Manager Vincenzo Di Stefano's was dealt an early blow after summer signing Nicolas Burdisso suffered a torn quad during training during preseason training. Team doctors estimate his recovery time at two months. This leaves Gamberini, De Maio, and Portanova as the only recognized CBs in the first team, with Antonini, Marchese, and Sampirisi as possibilities playing on the outside in a 3-man defense. Di Stefano admitted the loss extends beyond Burdisso's on pitch efforts, "Nicolas is a model professional. It's sad to see him suffer an injury in training, as he's given maximum effort every day and set an example for the rest of the squad."


      Match Results

      Genoa 3 - 1 Pescara
      Genoa kicked off the 2013-14 season without Burdisso by first hosting Serie B side Pescara in the Coppa Nazionale. Il Grifone dominated from the onset, finishing with over 20 shot attempts in a comfortable 3-1 win.

      Inter Milan 1 - 0 Genoa
      The Serie A campaign started ominously, with Inter Milan at the San Siro and Fiorentina at home. A defensive approach nearly earned a point in Milan, with the only goal coming from the penalty spot after a handball during a scramble; two starters (Gilardino & De Maio) were injured in the match and set to miss three weeks.

      Genoa 0 - 3 Fiorentina
      Despite an undermanned XI, Di Stefano foolishly sought to play with La Viola in his first home league fixture. Fiorentina bossed possession throughout the first half but could not break through. An early second half goal opened the floodgates, leading to a 3-0 home defeat to close a run of three matches in 10 days to start the season.


      Up Next

      Heading into an international break, Genoa sits at the bottom of the Serie A table with no points and -4 goal difference. Only Fetfazidis is away on international duty and Gilardino looks set to return for the Derby della Lanterna with Sampdoria on 15 Sept. A win over the local rival would go a long way to restoring some of the optimism that surrounded the club coming out of a successful preseason.
      Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:48 PM.

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      • Qb
        All Star
        • Mar 2003
        • 8797

        #4
        Derby della Lanterna - Sampdoria v Genoa

        Di Stefano Victorious in First Derby to Cool the Hot Seat



        A raucous crowd greeted the teams on a glorious fall afternoon


        With his squad back to full training following the break, Di Stefano received word from the club president suggesting he change things up in an effort to jump start the club and improve results. Despite his desire to instill his preferred system, injuries and the influence of the board swayed the Italian to adopt a 4-2-3-1 for the crucial Derby della Lanterna with Sampdoria. Captain Alberto Gilardino returned from his ankle sprain slightly short of fitness, but personally requested he start the match.

        The departure from di Stefano's 3-5-2 seemed to put Il Rossoblu on the back foot early on, with Sampdoria holding roughly two-thirds of possession for the first 20 minutes and forcing GK Mattia Perin into several quality saves. However, Genoa slowly worked their way into the match, culminating with Šime Vrsaljko's fantastic individual effort down the right flank put him in on goal at a tight angle shortly before the interval. His attempted chipped cross deflected first off of the keeper before caroming off of a defender and nestling into the side netting on the opposite side of goal.

        This seemed to deflate the Sampdoria players, and they abandoned their apparent focus on possession in the Genoa end in favor of a more direct approach. di Stefano instructed his men to sit deeper and play for the counter, which eventually resulted in Fetfatzidis' 74th minute strike from outside the box to seal the manager's first career win in Serie A with a 2-0 derby victory.



        Only Genoa supporters could celebrate after the match


        Up Next

        Genoa hosts Livorno, kicking off a difficult stretch of three matches in eight days (Sun-Wed-Sun), followed by a difficult trip to Udinese and Napoli at home. It should provide a stiff test for the injury-hit squad, with Burdisso and Antonini out with long-term injuries, and Vrsaljko facing a fitness test after suffering a thigh bruise late in the derby. De Maio and Gilardino appear fully healed from their ankle sprains, but 3-in-8 might be too much to ask at this point.
        Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:45 PM.

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        • Qb
          All Star
          • Mar 2003
          • 8797

          #5
          Sept/Oct Update

          Match Results

          Genoa 2-0 Livorno
          A solid, professional performance by the home team in which both strikers, Gilardino & Calaio, scored their first league goals of the season.


          Udinese 3-2 Genoa
          Udinese came out firing at home looking to get in behind and over the top, as well pressing aggressively up the pitch. The first 25 minutes of the match saw 7 fouls and 3 yellow cards, topped off with the referee awarding the home team a penalty for handball in the box. Di Natale placed it well towards the upper 90, but Mattia Perin guessed correctly and finger-tipped it over the bar for a corner. Amazingly enough, Udinese was awarded another PK for handball on the ensuing corner! Di Natale made no mistake this time, wrong-footing Perin with a stutter-step during his run up.

          Genoa would level the game a few minutes later through surprise starter Moussa Konate, and he struck again not long after to bag a brace in only his second league start of the year. He impressed in preseason, but had yet to make much of impact in his previous appearances, mostly off the bench. However, Luis Muriel brought the hosts level again when Perin failed to smother the ball in a goal-mouth scramble, allowing Muriel to poke the ball the under him. Final tally at halftime: 4 goals, 2 PKs, 10 fouls, 3 cards.

          The second half wasn't quite as statiscally wild as the first, but the teams did trade chances for most of the half. Unfortunately for Genoa, they appeared to tire as the half went on, even if the manager did rotate the squad somewhat due to having only two days rest since the win over Livorno. Perhaps it wasn't meant to be (or maybe the fix was in...), as in the 71st minute, referee Gianluca del Tarano inexplicably called a third penalty, presumably for handball, but the replay showed no clear infraction. Di Natale converted his second in three attempts and a demoralized Genoa now trailed 3-2 with time running out. To their credit, they fashioned several chances, but were turned away each time by GK Zeljko Brkic. In what can only be described as a fitting end to the match, Genoa defender Mario Sampirisi took down Muriel in the box during stoppage time to give Udinese their FOUTH attempt from the spot. Once again, Perin rose to the challenge to stop Di Natale for the second time in four attempts... in one match.

          Following the match, Genoa manager Vincenzo di Stefano had this to say regarding the referee:

          "There are things I want to say but cannot regarding his performance. To see three penalties awarded for handballs is outrageous. Of the three, only the first could be called in good conscience. But, I am proud of my team, as they continued to fight against a good team despite the circumstances. It is hard to believe you can lose when you score two goals and your keeper saves two penalties, but football is unforgiving and their second goal is an example of the kind of mistakes we need to eliminate.

          Genoa 0-3 Napoli
          A frustrated and sluggish Genoa side never got a foothold against the better Napoli side, even with star playmaker Marek Hamsik missing the match through injury. From a Genovese perspective, the only development worth noting was the dismissal of crucial first-teamer Juraj Kucka for two bookable offenses when Genoa trailed only 1-0. He will be suspended when league play resumes and will miss the trip to Catania.

          di Stefano's post match comments:
          "The fixture list didn't do us any favors, but our performance was not good enough, particularly against an opponent of such quality. I am disappointed with Kucka's lack of discipline; I like his aggressiveness, but he must know better than to throw himself about once he's been cautioned. Perhaps I should have taken him off, but we were short in midfield with Cofie's injury and he has goals in him, even if he hasn't scored yet this season."

          Up Next

          Catania (A)
          Chievo Verona (H)
          Juventus (A)

          Comment

          • Qb
            All Star
            • Mar 2003
            • 8797

            #6
            Player News

            Exit Rumors Swirl Around Kucka; Di Stefano Urges Action



            The tough-tackling Slovakian midfielder is a key part of his manager's plans


            The Italian press is known to stir the pot when it comes to transfer rumors, and Genoa supporters are hoping this is only the latest example. With less than two years remaining on his contract, Genoa midfielder Juraj Kucka is rumored to have an eye on the exit door. The powerful Slovak would attract the interest of a number of clubs in Italy, and perhaps the Bundesliga and Premier League thanks to his physical style of play.

            Despite the player not issuing a public comment on the situation, this could be a case of where there's smoke, there's fire. The rumors come on the heels of the manager's critical comments in the aftermath of Kucka's sending off in the 3-0 defeat to Napoli. Di Stefano was quick to back his player this time:

            "Juraj is an important player for the club. I was honest in what I said following the Napoli match, but he and I talked about it. It was nothing. If this is a negotiating tactic by his agent, I hope the board approves an improved contract offer. I want to keep him here, and I believe, deep down, he wants to stay."
            Keep an eye on this story over the next few weeks. The January transfer window is still a ways off, so any controversy could linger for some time should the situation not be resolved.
            Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:44 PM.

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            • Qb
              All Star
              • Mar 2003
              • 8797

              #7
              Re: Player News

              Free-Scoring Gilardino Leading Genoa Up the Table



              The Genoa captain finally found his scoring touch


              After a slow start to the leauge campaign with only one goal in the first six matches, Alberto Gilardino struck for a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Catania, added another in dropping Chievo Verona, and capped his spree by winning and converting a late penalty to secure a valuable away point against the defending champions Juventus. His six goals tie him for third in Serie A with Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez, trailing only Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Balotelli with 10 each. His manager offered high praise for the striker:

              Alberto is our leader, both with his goals and by the example he sets with his discipline in training and on the pitch. He is in top form since returning from his ankle injury and I hope it continues. It's no secret we're thin up front, so to have him playing and playing well is essential to our success. If he continues to score, he has to be considered for the national team and I'm sure one more chance at the World Cup motivates him.

              Match Results

              Catania 2-4 Genoa
              Gilardino leads the way with three goals as Genoa rebounds from back-to-back defeats with a convincing away victory.

              Genoa 3-2 Chievo Verona
              Genoa scored last in this back and forth affair to take the three points at the Luigi Ferraris. The win moves them to 9th and into the top half of the table for the first time this season.

              Juventus 1-1 Genoa
              Despite choosing to sit deeply and play on the counter, Il Rossoblu finished with a slight lead in both shots and possession. However, trailing 1-0 late into the second half, it appeared to be for naught until Bonucci took Gilardino's feet from under him in the box in the 79th minute. The captain went for power over placement and caught Buffon flat-footed in a rare lapse in an otherwise stellar match for the legendary keeper. Juve poured forward looking for the win, but some backs to the wall defending extended Genoa's unbeaten run to three matches.


              Up Next

              Parma (H)
              Lazio (A)
              Torino (A) - Coppa Nazionale
              Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:43 PM.

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              • Qb
                All Star
                • Mar 2003
                • 8797

                #8
                Player News

                Genoa Pair Extend Their Contracts to Di Stefano's Delight



                Both Antonelli and Kucka joined the club in January 2011


                Any rumors of Juraj Kucka's departure came to an abrupt end with the news he penned an 3-year extension which ties him to Genoa CFC until June 2018. His wages are rumored to be €55k per week, which if correct, would make him the club's highest earner. The Slovakian international stressed he never expressed dissatisfaction with the club or city and was caught off guard by the suggestion he was looking to leave. "I'm not sure where it came from, as I never spoke to anyone about it. I'm settled in Genoa, it is wonderful city with great supporters, and I'm convinced the club is heading in the right direction."

                With less than a year on his contract, left back Luca Antonelli had to question his future when he failed to feature in the opening matches of the season. "It was something I thought about, yes. I realize no one's place is guaranteed, and Paolo [De Ceglie] is a good player, but at my age I need to be playing regular football," said the 26 year-old Italian. "Of course, having played for the Azzurri in the past, I have my eyes on Brazil in the summer. Securing a regular place in the squad is the first step towards that goal." It appears Antonelli is on his way to doing just that with Di Stefano's shift away from a three-man defense, with the fullback starting each of the last four matches with increasingly encouraging performances. As a result, the club announced a two-year extension of his contract with a slight increase in wages to a rumored figure of €35k per week.

                Manager Vincenzo Di Stefano offered his thoughts on both signings:

                I am very pleased. I see Juraj as a crucial part of my squad moving forward, and Luca convinced me he can be an important player as well. It's comforting to know I have two quality players committed for multiple seasons and I respect both of them for not making unreasonable demands in order to make it happen.
                Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:43 PM.

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                • Qb
                  All Star
                  • Mar 2003
                  • 8797

                  #9
                  Match Results

                  Genoa Drop Two in the League, Advance in the Cup



                  Shot-stopper Mattia Perin's fine form continued, leading Genoa to victory in the Coppa Nazionale.


                  Genoa's uneven league form continues through November, with back-to-back defeats to teams above them in the table. When asked about his team's lack of consistency, Di Stefano fired a shot across the bow of his team, or as some speculate, sending a message regarding January reinforcements:

                  I don't view our results as inconsistent; to me they are very consistent. We are losing to teams above us and defeating teams below us. Perhaps we are where we should be based on the players in the team.
                  Rumors are starting to pick up regarding potential transfer targets, which if believed, indicate the manager is scouting defenders to better fit a 3-man defense, as well as attackers to give him more options up front, regardless of formation.


                  Match Results

                  Genoa 0-2 Parma
                  In Di Stefano's first match since the birth of his second child, his players looked like they were up all night with a newborn in the disappointing home loss to 6th place Parma.

                  Lazio 2-1 Genoa
                  Genoa looked to be on their way to a valuable away draw at a rainy Stadio Olimpico until a late goal from Miroslav Klose bagged him a brace and his team three points.

                  Torino 0-1 Genoa
                  In round of 32 action of the Coppa Nazionale, captain Alberto Gilardino's early goal proved the winner in a tight, physical affair. Torino came on strong towards the end, but keeper Mattia Perin made several stellar saves to preserve the clean sheet and earn man of the match honors. Genoa will face Udinese in the round of 16.


                  Up Next

                  AC Milan (A)
                  Hellas Verona (H)
                  Torino (H)
                  Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:42 PM.

                  Comment

                  • Qb
                    All Star
                    • Mar 2003
                    • 8797

                    #10
                    Match Results

                    Late Winner Shocks Milan, Genoa Draw Two at Home



                    Greek international Giannis Fetfatzidis is earning his manager's trust and praise


                    Following the mid-November week of international friendlies, the only player to travel with his national team, attacker Giannis Fetfatzidis, returned in fine form. His manager was quite complimentary we asked for his thoughts on the 22 year old:

                    Giannis is a fantastic talent; he has that special something. His form is good and I can tell you he's very happy at the moment. He is starting to find the scoresheet now, with his goal against Milan he now has two on the season, but also three assists. I can see him growing as a player and anticipate that will continue well into the future.

                    Match Results

                    AC Milan 0-1 Genoa
                    A determined Genoa side battled for 89 minutes before substitute Adrian Stoian, making his first appearance of the season, hammered across the six-yard box to an open Fetfatzidis. His side-footer struck a Milan defender as it traveled back across goal, deflecting past a helpless Abbiati to steal a memorable away win for Di Stefano and his squad at the San Siro.

                    Hellas Verona 1-1 Genoa
                    A mostly even contest throughout, bottom of the table Verona secured a valuable point in their quest for Serie A survival. Romulo's 66th minute equalizer cancelled out Gilardino's earlier headed goal from a De Ceglie cross. Gilardino had a chance for a brace, but he missed from the penalty spot for the first time this year, striking the post after sending Mihalyov the wrong way.

                    Genoa 1-1 Torino
                    Prior to the rematch of their recent cup clash, Di Stefano reminded Torino and its supporters of Genoa's victory in hopes of boosting his squads confidence. It appeared to work, as Genoa outshot Torino 16-1 at a rainy Stadio Luigi Ferraris. However, Torino GK Daniele Padelli turned in a fine performance, allowing only Adrian Centurion's unstoppable curling shot following some tricky dribbling in the box to beat him shortly before halftime. The visitors quickly equalized on a long, hopeful cross that left both keeper and manager asking questions of the defenders, as one man beat two to the ball to head it home. A furious second half push did not bear fruit, resulting in Genoa's second draw in four days.


                    Up Next

                    Cagliari (A)
                    Atalanta (H)
                    Bologna (A)
                    Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 02:41 PM.

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                    • Qb
                      All Star
                      • Mar 2003
                      • 8797

                      #11
                      Match Results

                      Transfer Talk Heats Up as Winter Break Approaches



                      Signs point towards Genoa chasing Bologna's eccentric talisman


                      As the first half of the Serie A campaign draws to a close, talk inevitably turns to the upcoming January transfer window. Genoa manager Vincenzo Di Stefano is eager to put his stamp on a club known to have a hands-on president in Enrico Preziosi. Rumblings in the media link Il Rossoblu with a number of potential targets, including Bologna's controversial playmaker, Alessandro Diamanti. Di Stefano openly praised the 30 year old Italian attacker prior to their recent match; was it foreshadowing or misdirection? One has to wonder if the manager has the green light to spend. If he does, will he choose to go big on an impact player like Diamanti, or perhaps make several lower-profile signings to provide depth and flexibility? Other rumored targets include Olympiakos CB Kostas Manolas, Dutch playmaker Hikam Ziyech of SC Herenveen, and a possible loan deal for promising young Fiorentina hitman Ante Rebic.



                      Match Results

                      Calgiari 0-1 Genoa
                      The two mid-table clubs were as close on the pitch as they were in the standings, splitting nearly every statistical category evenly. Only a sweeping second half counter attack resulting in Sime Vrsalkjo's second league goal separated the teams at the final whistle. Fetfatzidis continued to impress, as it was pass that unlocked Calgiari's defense, allowing Vrsalkjo to hammer an uncontested shot past the helpless keeper.

                      Genoa 0-1 Atalanta
                      The visitors arrived boasting a five match winning streak, while the hosts were unbeaten in five with three wins (one in the cup) and two draws. In the end, Atalanta extended theirs to six with a gritty away win. It seemed they wanted every 50/50 a little more, and Di Stefano was quick to point out several decisions went their way as well, despite their aggression.

                      Genoa 2-0 Bologna
                      After choosing to focus on opposing danger man Diamanti in his pre-match press conference, Di Stefano let his team selection do the talking about his squad. It featured a host of changes from the group featured regularly over the prior six weeks. One of those players, left-sided midfielder Paolo De Ceglie, rewarded his manager with the game's first goal in the 33rd minute, poking home under a sprawling GK after Gilardino's blocked shot fell in his path. Another, Adrian Centurion, returned from his brief absence due to a hamstring strain to put in an influential shift playing on the left of the front three in Di Stefano's now seemingly entrenched 3-4-2-1. Centurion's blistering pace helped spring a two on one break following a second half Bologna corner, with substitute Luca Antonelli (on for De Ceglie) calmly curling a shot into the corner from the ensuing 1v1 chance. From there Genoa closed up shop in a 5-4-1, ending the first half of their season with a 2-0 victory.


                      Up Next

                      Sassuolo (H)
                      AS Roma (A)
                      Udinese (A) Coppa Nazionale Round of 16

                      Comment

                      • Qb
                        All Star
                        • Mar 2003
                        • 8797

                        #12
                        League Table and Leaders

                        2013-14 Serie A
                        TEAMGPWDLPTS
                        Juventus17115138
                        Inter Milan18115238
                        AC Milan18106236
                        Napoli17111534
                        Lazio18104434
                        Atalanta18102632
                        Udinese1783627
                        Parma1773724
                        Genoa1773724
                        Fiorentina1772823
                        Cagliari1754819
                        Torino1754819
                        Bologna1754819
                        Chievo Verona1746718
                        Sassuolo1746718
                        AS Roma1744916
                        Livorno1744916
                        Sampdoria1736815
                        Hellas Verona17341013
                        Catania1726912



                        Soccer Leaders - Updated: Jan 5, 2014
                        Top ScorersGoalsTop CreatorsAssists
                        1. Higuain (NAP)131. Tevez (JUV)7
                        2. Balotelli (MIL)122. Asamaoh (JUV)5
                        3. Llorente (JUV)103. Sau (CAG)5
                        4. Klose (LAZ)94. Diamanti (BOL)4
                        5. Denis (ATL)95. Fetfatzidis (GEN)4
                        Last edited by Qb; 04-20-2014, 04:52 PM.

                        Comment

                        • Qb
                          All Star
                          • Mar 2003
                          • 8797

                          #13
                          Transfer News

                          Di Stefano Gets His Men - Ziyech and Manolas Join Up



                          Hakim Ziyech (left) and Kostas Manolas (right) come aboard as Di Stefano's first signings


                          With the Serie A winter break behind us and the transfer window open, Vincenzo Di Stefano has been nothing if not busy. While preparing for stretch of four games in 11 days, Di Stefano also sealed his first two signings, playmaker Hakim Ziyech of SC Heerenveen and defender Kostas Manolas of Olympiakos.

                          Ziyech, the 21 year old attacker known for his technique and cultured left foot, was rumored to be in a contract stand-off with his Dutch club. While he was not yet eligible for a Bosman transfer due to his age, perhaps the impasse motivated Heerenveen to cash in on their academy product for a somewhat under-market sum of €2M. Regardless, Di Stefano identified him as a target early in his tenure and didn't waste much time once the window opened. His registration was finalized on January 10, meaning he is eligible when Genoa visits Roma the following day.

                          Another player rumored to be on Di Stefano's radar for some time, 22 year old Greek international CB Kostas Manolas already has over 20 matches of European experience with AEK Athens and Olympiakos Piraeus. Arriving for a fee of €5.5M, Manolas is expected to play on the right side of a three-man defense, as he offers good movement and plays the bell well for a center back. His price represents a 100% profit on a player signed on a free in 2012, and at over double his reported market value, was likely too much to pass up for the Greek champions.

                          Both players expressed their desire to play in Italy, with Manolas even leaving behind regular European football with the perennial Greek powerhouse. It is believed both received significant raises to further entice them to ply their trade in Serie A. Their manager is hopeful their arrival could signal the beginning of European ambitions for his club:

                          Ziyech and Manolas are two very talented and promising players I see as key contributors to this club's ambitions of European football. They fit my tactical vision, as well as providing good individual skills. Ziyech gives us more of a set-piece threat than we've had, and I like Manolas' pace & aggression playing on the right of a back three. Hopefully they can settle in quickly, as I am anxious to put them to use. I know both will be fantastic additions to the squad... and there might be more to come.

                          Comment

                          • KG
                            Welcome Back
                            • Sep 2005
                            • 17583

                            #14
                            Re: The Managerial Career of Vincenzo Di Stefano (Genoa CFC - Serie A)

                            Managers are often judged by their first transfer window (assuming you disabled the summer window). Let's see how these 2 pan out against rugged Italian sides.

                            GL Q!


                            Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
                            Twitter Instagram - kgx2thez

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