As fans descended on the training ground today to protest at poor results, Torino owner Urbano Cairo assures he’s standing by Walter Novellino.
The Granata have slipped back towards the drop zone and a group of supporters vehemently protested about the state of the team during training at the Sisport centre.
Alvaro Recoba and David Di Michele received the most attention, as the summer signings have failed to deliver this season.
“Of course we will continue with Novellino,” maintained President Cairo (pictured) as his side slipped to within four points of the relegation places.
“I don’t think it would be right to fire him and the team does not need to be shaken up in this way.
“Novellino is on the job and has the quality to get out of this situation. The team is also talented, but what will be decisive is seeing the locker room unite with everyone taking on responsibility and acting like professionals.”
The Toro fans have been critical of Novellino this term because of his treatment of Alessandro Rosina, but after the 3-0 defeat at Genoa on Sunday they mainly aimed their ire at the players.
“These are talented professionals and their past proves that,” agreed Cairo. “It is necessary for them to fight to the last second in every situation. We need to get positive and battle.”
A few weeks ago the businessman had balked at the idea of a financial reward for avoiding relegation, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
“I am no longer going to rule that idea out. Nobody has asked me for a prize, but I am evaluating every possibility.
“If I believe a reward for achieving safety would be useful, then I can provide that.”
Torino have lost five of their last six games in Serie A, interrupted only by a 2-1 win at Catania on March 30.
