Calabro Sets Sights on Serie A for Padova, Confirms Gomez Departure

Padova manager Antonio Calabro has articulated the club’s clear ambition to achieve promotion to Serie A, while also confirming the departure of experienced playmaker Papu Gomez. Calabro stated that Gomez is no longer part of the club’s project, signaling a strategic shift towards a younger squad.

“Gomez is no longer in the club’s project,” Calabro told La Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb. “We wanted to rejuvenate a team that was the second oldest on average last year. I met Papu, but we only spoke about Gasperini.” This marks the end of Gomez’s brief and relatively unsuccessful stint with the Biancoscudati after just one season.

Calabro’s focus is now firmly on his new role with the Veneto club, aiming to replicate his previous coaching success and instill his tactical vision. He intends to build a cohesive unit with the fanbase and foster a strong team spirit.

Serie A Ambitions

While the club’s hierarchy has not imposed an immediate promotion mandate, Calabro acknowledged that Serie A is a shared objective. “The club has not asked me for Serie A immediately, but it’s a goal we have in mind,” he explained. “But with the right methods and timing, improving in many areas. President Banzato wants to get there and stay there, not be a fleeting presence.”

Calabro emphasized a balanced approach, stating, “There is no fear in expressing ambitions here, but there is the clarity to pursue them. Director Mirabelli conveys this mentality very well to others.”

Squad Rejuvenation

The departure of Gomez is a key element in Calabro’s plan to lower the average age of the squad. Last season, Padova had the second-highest average age in Serie B, a factor Calabro aims to address to build a more dynamic and sustainable team for the future. This strategic shift indicates a long-term vision for the club’s growth and competitiveness.

Transfer Market Strategy

Regarding the ongoing transfer market, Calabro indicated that the squad still needs to be finalized. Despite the anticipated incomings, he stressed a patient approach. “We know what we need to do, there is a bustling market, and we are not in a hurry,” Calabro commented. “Patience is needed, but I know that at the start of the championship, we will be competitive. It will then be up to me to integrate the new players as quickly as possible.”

The manager is confident in his ability to blend new signings into the existing setup efficiently, ensuring the team is ready to compete from the season’s outset.

Competitive Serie B Landscape

Calabro also touched upon the competitive nature of Serie B, anticipating challenging derby matches against local rivals Hellas Verona and Vicenza. He drew a parallel to his time at Carrara, where the most memorable moments came from intense fixtures.

Looking ahead to the promotion race, Calabro sees a highly contested battle. He identified several strong contenders, including the relegated teams from Serie A, Palermo, Sampdoria, Catanzaro (last season’s playoff finalists), and Modena, alongside Avellino. He also cautioned against newly promoted Benevento, highlighting their potential to surprise.

Key facts

Calabro’s insights provide a clear picture of Padova’s strategic direction. The manager’s ambition for Serie A, coupled with a tangible plan for squad development and a realistic assessment of the competitive Serie B environment, sets the stage for an interesting season for the Biancoscudati.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-b/calabro-a-padova-serie-a-fretta-papu-gomez-via-vogliamo-ringiovanire-2253808