Tangorra shakes Bari: «De Laurentiis' words? Just to calm the crowd»

In the aftermath of the press conferences of president Luigi De Laurentiis, sports director Magalini and his deputy Di Cesare, the climate around Bari remains full of questions, expectations and, above all, bad feelings. The choice of Fabio Caserta as the new coach marks the beginning of a new phase, at least in words.

In this context, the voice of Massimiliano Tangorra emerges, who knows Bari's merits and contradictions, emotions and fragilities. Former footballer and attentive observer of the red and white reality, Tangorra always shows a frank and passionate reading of the facts. His task is to analyze all the knots of this moment.

Mister Tangorra, let's start with the words of president De Laurentiis who spoke of "important planning" and the goal of delivering Bari to Serie A within three years. Do these seem credible statements to you or more of an attempt to appease the crowd?

"They want to calm people down. De Laurentiis has never shone in terms of communication. The very fact that a good part of the fans have unmasked him will not, I think, lead to season tickets. It will be a sign of distrust towards an ownership that every year has told promises that have not been fulfilled. After all, they continue to do so with continuous technical changes, more loans than owned players. Some tax numbers have been done with Napoli. I think of Caprile, Cheddira and Folorunsho. Players that I would have brought back even after their stint in Serie A. Or at least I would have kept them to create a solid base, with the same coach and a few corrections. This means wanting to bring the team to Serie A. And not what is told in fairy tale books."

During the press conference, De Laurentiis reiterated his desire to find a solid partner for the future of the club. Do you really believe that there is a concrete project behind these words or are we still in the realm of intentions?

"In intentions only because he is forced to do so. The path is obligatory. But in concrete facts, I do not see this programming."

The new coach Fabio Caserta spoke of enthusiasm, hunger and desire to fight. What is your opinion of this technical choice? Is he the right man to lead Bari in such a delicate moment?

"At the beginning we hear all superficial phrases. Caserta is a decent coach, but he hasn't won Serie B championships. Like, for example, Pippo Inzaghi now at Palermo."

Sporting director Magalini admits mistakes in building last year's squad and promises a hungrier and more motivated team. After the last few seasons, do you think the club has learned from its mistakes?

"I don't believe much in gossip. I look at and evaluate the facts. If I remember correctly, the sports director at the end of the championship had assured us that we would go to the playoffs. Before working in a square, you should study its history books. Learn about the sports culture of the fans and then talk. It's useless to talk in clichés, letting hot air come out of your mouth, when with the facts you don't keep what you promise. Few have the following and the coat of arms of Bari where, if you do well, the stadium becomes a cauldron. You can't treat these fans as if you were in Cittadella, Lucca or Mantua. Respectable, but with different pedigrees."

Di Cesare stressed the need to find real leaders and owned players. Is this really the key to building a competitive Bari or are more courageous investments needed?

"The timeshare terms expire in two years. When will this reversal begin?"

There is talk of imminent arrivals such as Verreth and Cerofolini, and of many negotiations being concluded for Pagano, Quagliata, Di Stefano, Calvani, Guerini and Pandolfi. What is your opinion of the first market moves? Are they profiles up to the declared ambitions?

"It seems like things are changing a lot. And it's not always positive. When you change from year to year, including the coach, you start from scratch every time. I don't remember any names or teams that have won championships. In my country, when we aimed to win, we planned. Something that I see is still not happening, even though Filmauro has been in Bari for a while. Rejuvenate the team? Maybe it's too late. 2028 is approaching. Stickers stick to albums, they don't win tournaments."

The topic of timeshare remains central and divisive. You have often spoken about the lack of planning. Do you believe that as long as this corporate structure remains, Bari will always be held back?

"De Laurentiis knows well that he must hesitate for a couple more years. In the worst case scenario, without a buyer, the keys to the club will be left to the mayor."

The fans have openly expressed their dissent, with protests and promises to desert the stadium. How much does this rift between the club and the fans weigh, in your opinion?

"It weighs because the club does not communicate its true intentions, which are now obvious. On the one hand, to bring the team to Serie A and resell it. On the other, this involves a program that, I repeat, comes from further back. The 70 thousand spectators of Bari-Cagliari did not arrive by chance. But no follow-up was given to that stroke of luck that, if all goes well, comes every seven years."

You have repeatedly called for transparency and clear communication. After these press conferences, have you seen signs of change or is it just summer make-up?

"Nothing has changed and nothing will happen until the ownership changes hands."

Finally, what would be your first moves to rebuild credibility and ambition?

"The point that would have made me change my mind would have been the creation of a sports center and a youth sector. This would have seriously demonstrated the ambition to take Bari to the top. It's about investing. Instead, the youth teams train wandering in different fields. To get results starting from scratch it takes at least five years. We are out of time. From the foundations you create the capital gains of the future and the sense of belonging that no one has ever had until now".