The presentation of Armando Madonna as Primavera Coach: "It's an honour"

APPIANO GENTILE - Armando Madonna will lead the Nerazzurri’s Primavera side during the 2018-19 season that the team will go into as reigning champions. The coach from Bergamo was presented today in a press conference alongside the Director for the Elite Academy Roberto Samaden who introduced him: "As was the case with Stefano Vecchi who I’d like to thank once more for his fantastic work in the past years, we’ve chosen a coach who could lead our Under-19 side as though it were a senior team. A coach with certain values, including those off the pitch. Out of all the profiles we evaluated, Armando Madonna fully met our needs. He has experience and he has helped a lot of young players to develop through his career. I thank him for being available and we’re sure that he’ll know how to fit into our team. The rest of the technical staff has remained unchanged and this ensures continuity which is a vital aspect for our Elite Academy. I thank the club which has always offered a lot of support to our work, and I thank Luciano Spalletti because the link with the First Team is always getting stronger." 

The microphone then passed to the man who the press conference was organised for. "I can only thank the club for having made this decision," began Madonna. "I’m truly very happy to be here. It’s an honour for me and, from my first days here, I had the chance to get to know the facilities and the professional people here and this reassured me. For many, the Primavera side is considered to be the last stage in the Elite Academy but from this day on it’s easier to see it as the first step towards professionalism. We’re here for them to help them grow and make them useful. I start with a very strong foundation because I have excellent resources available to me and staff that have already achieved a lot. More than being a challenge, it’s a pleasure to be here. All the elements are in place to do well, I’m motivated and I want to repay the faith that’s been placed in me." 

"I’ve already spoken with Luciano Spalletti, but with the start of our pre-season on Wednesday there will be a chance to see one another on a daily basis. We need to work well, allow our lads to make mistakes and be ready ourselves when they need a hand so that their dreams can come true and so that we can provide the First Team with players who are mentally ready. Vecchi? We know each other and we’ve been in contact. I have great respect for him, as a person above all because the work that he’s done as a coach is there for everyone to see. He was happy with my arrival and this was very gratifying for me."