Brescia, Cellino sells or raises? The future is an unknown

Must play on three tables, Massimo Cellino. Three games to win in one that includes them all, called Brescia. There is the corporate knot, the most intricate. There is the one linked to the field, no less delicate. And there is the one concerning a square in a bad mood, somewhere between worried and depressed. This is the picture after one of the most troubled weeks in the club’s more than 100-year history.

The Brescia case broke out when Cellino resigned as president. A thought that had matured for the first time on October 24, in a Board of Directors convened to communicate the decision to leave: a proposal rejected by the councilors. On Tuesday, the intention manifested itself again resulting in a statement: a choice resulting from “a deep inner anguish” for “the criminal proceeding in the context of which the provision involving de facto Brescia was issued”, a legal case that has “worn out the serenity necessary for the management of a complex company such as a football team”. Everything revolves around a precautionary seizure of assets (59 million euros) for investigations into tax crimes. But the Board still rejected the resignation, inviting Cellino to stay. “I’m considering”, his answer. “But the prospect is always that of selling the club”

The club is more salable if the category is maintained, if the squad is not devalued, if a treasure that for Cellino is worth 30 million is not devalued (starting point for negotiations: in the summer he refused 20). Spal arrives on Sunday and Pep Clotet’s men are chasing a victory that has been missing since 16 September. At the time they were first in the standings, after a 1-0 draw against Benevento; now they are seventh at -5 from zone A, +6 from the playout. For Cellino, the team “is no less strong than last year. But there are trials, sentences, the Cassation”. That on January 27 he will examine his appeal against the maxi seizure. In the meantime, “the results not achieved lately are the offspring of my state of mind which is reflected on the team and I’m not saying this as a fan, but because of my many years of experience in football”. A person is needed at the helm who can “bring Brescia to those results that the passion of the fans deserves”.

The dispute matured (after 4 years of B and only one of A) on Saturday 5 November at the end of the draw with Ascoli (1-1): “Look at the match, oh Cellino, look at the match!” sang the Curva Nord . Seven days later, in Terni, new chants against the club after a 0-0 draw; applause instead for the players who stopped to greet the 257 fans in tow. On Saturday, the day after the Board rejected the president’s resignation, a banner signed Ultras Brescia 1911 Ex-Curva Nord appeared outside the club: “Cellino: you again? But shouldn’t we see each other again?”. A widespread discontent that has affected the patron more than a defeat on the field. An operation-relaunch can now start from the field that will calm spirits, giving a glimpse of a less nebulous future than the present. For the fans, “a project is missing”, not support. But projects are built on victories.