Fabio Paratici’s Tottenham exit came abruptly earlier this year and caught many by surprise. The Italian has now spoken about his time in the Premier League, while addressing other matters involving his career.
Sport Witness extensively covered Paratici’s move to Fiorentina, who were struggling inside the bottom three at that point.
They are now back in form and 15th in the table. More than that, they are unbeaten in the last four Serie A games, showcasing clear improvement under Paolo Vanoli.
The 53-year-old has now spoken to Corriere della Sera about his career, time at Tottenham and why he left the London side.
Paratici full of praise for Spurs
The interview starts with Paratici being asked about whether Fiorentina’s glittering training ground is a reason for his arrival.
He agreed, saying: “Yes. I signed a long contract because I want to see ten of the boys who grew up here reach the first team, and others become professionals.”
Paratici also revealed that Fiorentina’s league standing didn’t change his perception about the project.
“When Ferrari and Goretti came to London, it was mid-December and Fiorentina had six points. I immediately said that the standings didn’t worry me.
“Not in the sense that it wasn’t bad, but because of the depth of work we were talking about, and which the Commisso family wants to support with the love and dedication that are Rocco’s legacy. A lost year would have been remediable. And in any case, we won’t lose it.”
This led to him being asked about his experience at Tottenham. He hailed how everything at the club is extensively researched before a decision is made.
Paratici responded: “Everything else. The Premier League is as good as the NBA. I’ll just tell you that the head of human resources evaluated 50 resumes for my assistant.
“Everything there is perfect, and of a superior standard. They run more, but above all they run the ball faster. They have to learn to pass better for that, and the training pitches are always mowed and wet. Technique comes naturally that way.”
Desire to copy Tottenham approach
Further, the Italian said he wants to replicate the Spurs approach in Italy. In the process, he also took a shot at how different things are in Serie A.
“Certainly. First and foremost, extensive training for the 110 employees at the training centre. It’s essential because I study every day of my life, while in Italy everything is empirical. I’m talking about numbers, not algorithms, which would just screw things up. The numbers give me the names of the three best players for the position I’m looking for, then the choice is mine and it also depends on gut feeling. Intuition is crucial.”
“Whereas here, everything is considered an opinion, and as such, it’s legitimate. Instead, I say that missing three World Cups isn’t an opinion, it’s a fact. Terrible.”
Paratici addressed ban
Prominently enough, the ex-Juventus sporting director also spoke about his ban which also stretched until his time at Tottenham. He was suspended from operating because of financial irregularities that were discovered during his tenure in Turin.
“I don’t feel guilty of anything, if that’s what you’re asking. That said, it was a very difficult experience because the criminal investigation lasted five and a half years, and it took strength to sustain it. I was convicted for a technical-financial strategy that involved many internationals, including Rovella, Orsolini, and Spinazzola.
He also expressed doubts about how the entire process worked.
“An unprecedented accounting principle was applied, which I’m waiting to review. The documents mention this, not inflated capital gains, as is being rumored. In a sporting trial, you can’t defend yourself; there’s little you can do. I wanted to close the criminal trial so I could start living again.”
Paratici impacted by Tottenham spell
The spell at Tottenham impacted Paratici deeply. Things operate much differently in Italy, where the game is still rooted in mutual contacts and bureaucracy. It is also widely political and less sporting, and it does hold back Italian sport.
From the interview, it is evident that Paratici wants to change Italian football while seeking inspiration from how things work in England.
Beyond that, he should also be grateful to Tottenham for how they stuck with him during his ban. He was allowed back at the London side right after his suspension ended and given the chance to build his reputation back up.