Totò Lopez has his say: «Bari is tired, now that's enough»

In the heart of a summer that marks the beginning of a new cycle for Bari, between promises of sustainability and the search for a new technical identity, Totò Lopez is back, a voice that has left an indelible mark on the memory of the red and white fans. A brilliant director of the 1980s, a symbol of romantic and passionate football, Lopez analyses the current moment in which the club, led by Luigi De Laurentiis, is trying to rebuild from the rubble of an up and down season by focusing on motivated young people and a technical project entrusted to Fabio Caserta. The day before yesterday, the president spoke frankly: regrets, difficulties, investments, but also the desire to find solid ownership to bring Bari back to Serie A. And yet, the silence of San Nicola and the protests of the fans tell of a deep fracture.

Lopez, as a former protagonist on the field and a symbol for the fans, how do you experience the growing gap between the team and the red and white crowd today? Do you think that the silence of San Nicola can really influence the future of the club?

"Of course. Some people think they're talking to a city of provincials. It hurts to read De Laurentiis' latest statements. He always has excuses. Like having to control expenses. No one forced him to take over a company for zero euros seven years ago. It makes me shiver to think that we have to continue together until 2028. Timeshare is a mess. People's only weapon is not to go to the stadium. Let the bad image come."

President De Laurentiis spoke about Bari’s “image” and “attractiveness” to potential buyers. In your opinion, how much does the support of the fans really weigh in making a club attractive to new investors?

"It's not true. People know this city and its fans well. The Bari fans are unmatched. Even in bad times they are always present. The new buyers know well which square we are talking about. The disappointment is only the result of anger. With the desertion, finally the whole world will know that Bari no longer wants the De Laurentiis."

You have experienced moments of great passion at the Della Vittoria stadium. What would you say today to the fans who are thinking of deserting the stadium in protest? Is it an understandable gesture or counterproductive?

"The 51 paying spectators at Bari-Cittadella from years ago are still being talked about today. When the TVs show the empty stands, someone will wonder why. The deserted stadium will be a bad image for the owners, not for the city or for those who want to buy."

In light of the president's words and the current tensions, what should be - in your opinion - the first step to rebuild a relationship of trust between the club, the team and the fans? There are fans who take on a thousand kilometers. How much longer will they have to endure certain treatments?

"You certainly don't attract people by proposing the playoffs as a seasonal objective. Magalini should have left together with Longo. I don't understand why in Naples you can dream and in Bari you can't. Football is done the way De Palo, a gynecologist who died poor for the shirt, and the Matarrese did it. They went into debt just to bring Bari to Serie A. And there was no extra income, like that of TV. It's exactly the opposite of what De Laurentiis says. Now they only think about making money, as they did two years ago with Cheddira and Caprile."

On the bench, we start again with Fabio Caserta, who would be entrusted with a project based on motivated young people and economic sustainability. As a former footballer, do you think this is a winning strategy for Bari?

"He's a good coach. He puts his heart and soul into it. After all, anyone who comes to Bari can't believe it. But if you don't build a team for him, he won't achieve much."

De Laurentiis stressed the need for “locker room leaders” and players ready to fight for the shirt.

"In the general context, leaders are needed and are essential. The problem is finding them. In today's Bari, I don't see any."

With only eight players owned and many outgoing loans, Bari seems to have to rebuild almost from scratch. As a former playmaker, what kind of technical and character identity should the new team have to win back the hearts of the fans?

"You can't go around begging for other people's players. Young players are fine, but they have to be yours and of quality."

In your opinion, how important is it to have a stable and credible guide, on an emotional level as well as an economic one?

"It's the De Laurentiis who don't want to find a buyer. Bari is talked about in Italy and abroad. A city on a scary growth path. Already seven years ago, many were aiming for Bari. I spoke to Lotito. He wanted it at all costs."

There has been much talk about sustainability and careful management, but also about an increasingly competitive and expensive Serie B championship. Can you really build a winning team without investments, without getting into debt and only with ideas and passion?

"Championships are not won by chance. Are the owners who put their hands in their wallets idiots? You don't go to Serie A without major purchases. And if things go badly, no one will hold it against you. 2028 is on the horizon, but it is not yet clear when the De Laurentiis intend to take Bari to the top."