Torino president Urbano Cairo, who took over reigns back in 2004/05, has recalled how difficult it was for the club to rise from the ashes of their poor financial background more than a decade ago. He also took stock of the current situation at the club, with his relationship with coach Ivan Juric now smoothening up.
In an exclusive with Radio Serie A (via Tuttomercatoweb), Cairo spoke in length about Torino’s emergence, alongside a host of other topics.
“Torino is a family affair. In 2005, it was about to go bankrupt and the mayor at the time called me asking me to buy it to start again from Serie B and convinced me. And even my mother, a huge fan, pushed me to accept. There were moments in which I had second thoughts but I always made an effort.”
Cairo and Juric have had ups and downs during their time together at Torino, but as the former says, he now understands how important it is to give space to the manager.
“At the beginning, there were several sparks. I let him do a lot more now. I was used to hearing and calling the coach a lot more, to being present at training sessions, now I leave more space because I understand he needs it. I give him the freedom to do everything he wants and asks for. I have a sporting director who is there and supervises, but I leave it to Juric. Today, relations have improved, and the team at his disposal is good. He has important qualities, and it’s right that he can work in peace without fear.”
Torino have had a shaky start to the new campaign, with nine points from eight games, one less than what they had managed at this point last season.
“We are slightly behind last year, we have nine points compared to ten last season at this point. The team has every chance of doing well. I believe in our coach, he is good and he has done well in previous years. This year, the team confirmed its best players, proving didn’t sell in order to strengthen Toro. A lot has been done. I maintain great confidence.”
The Granata have won just two of their eight games so far, failing to match the optimism reeking before the start of the season. They remain winless in five games on the trot, most recently falling 2-0 in the Derby della Mole to Juventus. Inter visit Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino at the weekend.
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