Tovalieri... returns to the field: «I'm with the fans, Bari is Serie A»

The wind has changed once again at Bari. After saying goodbye to Moreno Longo, the club has chosen to entrust the bench to Fabio Caserta, former coach of Catanzaro, with a two-year contract ready to be signed. A decision that has not ignited enthusiasm among the fans, increasingly inclined to skepticism. Sandro Tovalieri, former biancorosso bomber and a voice always attentive to the fate of the club, is there to clarify. Bari is trying to start again with a new technical project, but the thorniest issue remains: the multi-ownership. Until it is resolved, every ambition risks being left suspended. People are tired of promises and want a Bari free to dream. While the city watches carefully, the future of the club is played on a subtle balance between technical choices and corporate clarity.

Tovalieri, Bari is stuck in choosing a new coach. There have been some “no’s” like Alessandro Nesta’s. What do you think could have been the cause of this stalemate?

"These are difficult choices. The project is less ambitious than in the past. Before accepting Bari, some evaluations are made. The discontent of the fans also says so. It's a shame that a city like this has to settle for anonymous championships and not aim for important seasons. The Bari fan is angry. In Naples, championships are won and important investments are made. In Puglia, none of this."

Is Fabio Caserta the right man to start over?

"He did well in Catanzaro, taking them to the playoffs. He works with young players. Bari is a big place, quality prospects must be integrated with experienced players to play a high-level tournament. The whole context must be structured in the best possible way. It also depends on the transfer campaign that you intend to operate. The environment must be compact. You will need people with the balls to get out of the difficulties".

The transfer news does not seem to affect the fans, whose only interest is linked to the change of ownership.

"Indifference is worse than anger. It makes you walk away, no longer believe in what is proposed. Anger at least makes you protest. The fans, who last year did their part to the full, are experiencing a deep state of unease. Desertion is not a good thing. The negative atmosphere affects the state of mind of the coach and the players."

What could be the strategy to rebuild the bond between team and city?

"The silence of the company is a mistake. The ownership must always show its face. Even if, when it speaks, we always hear the same things and in the long run people get bored. I am on the side of the fans. Their affection is constant. We need to restore the relationship with the people."

Caserta aside, the company's prospects and plans have not been declared to date. How much does this uncertainty weigh on the construction of the team?

"There is a lack of owned players. The project cannot be based only on loan players."

Many loan players will return to their respective clubs.

"Always starting from scratch doesn't get you off the ground. You need a two- or three-year project. Something I don't see, if everything changes every time. With owned players, you can aim for Serie A. The championship that Bari deserves."

Next season's Serie B looks very competitive. Which teams do you see as the most fearsome and how do you think Bari can position itself?

"It's a very difficult tournament. Those who are relegated from Serie A have an extra edge. But those who go up from Serie C are also aggressive and create problems. Bari will have to make a strong team, otherwise it will be tough."