Valencia sporting director Suso Pitarch claims “irresponsible” Cesare Prandelli made unreasonable demands and led him to consider his own position.
Speaking at a Press conference on Saturday, less than 24 hours after Prandelli’s resignation, Pitarch explained the Coach wanted five players “quickly” and scoffed when he was told Valencia could only afford John Obi Mikel or Simone Zaza initially.
“In Singapore, there was talk of [Nemanja] Maksimovic and Prandelli gave his approval,” he said at a Press conference.
“Maksimovic would’ve arrived in July. Now, with what Cesare has decided, it’s on standby.
“On Thursday, Lay Hoon, Prandelli and I had a conference call. At the end of it, I said I was leaving. Lay Hoon then said no-one was.
“We spent most of it talking about the market. Cesare said he wanted five players quickly. Prandelli asked for four players, no names, at first. Then he added a centre-back.
“The cost of the five players was very high. He said that if they didn’t come, he would be leaving in the afternoon.
“I told him two names and he had to choose which one he wanted quickly: Obi Mikel or Zaza.
“Prandelli met Anil [Murthy], I talked to Anil after that meeting and told him that I was resigning, but Lay Hoon stopped it.
“Prandelli’s decision is an act of irresponsibility. We need the support of valencianistas.
“A few weeks ago, it seemed outlandish to think about my resignation. I think an act of responsibility would’ve been not to abandon the ship.
“Prandelli came to tell us his resignation was a personal one and that it wasn’t shared by his staff.
“Prandelli’s staff then told us they weren’t comfortable without Prandelli and that we should negotiate their exits.
“I don’t know what will happen with Zaza, but we’re still interested in him. If Zaza still wants to come, Valencia’s doors are open.
“The rebuilding of a squad, I believe, takes about three years. Due to FFP, we’re not able to do everything we want to do.
“On the 25th of this month, I met Obi Mikel in London. He told me he would think about [coming here], so it’s something that has to be addressed.”
