Leandro Rinaudo looks back on Mantova's incredible journey to remaining in Serie B
By OnzeActu · · 3 min read
After a fierce fight to maintain, Mantova succeeded in its bet in Serie B thanks to teamwork led by Leandro Rinaudo and coach Francesco Modesto. Thirteen new players have been integrated, including several promising young players such as Bragantini, Dembelé and Marras. Rinaudo, now replaced by Fabio Brutti, says he is ready to take on a new challenge.
Mantova experienced a 2023-2024 season rich in emotions and twists and turns. Questioned by TuttoMercatoWeb.com, sports director Leandro Rinaudo took stock of this “difficult but very beautiful” journey, concluded by remaining in Serie B, a goal which at one time seemed almost unattainable. “We went through complicated times, where getting our heads above water seemed impossible, but we always had to believe,” explains Rinaudo. It was both emotional and motivating work, for me and for everyone. When I took office, I was aware that the chances of success were low, but I wanted to have a great adventure, for me, my family and the people around me. »
The sports director also salutes the role of coach Francesco Modesto, to whom he entrusted the keys to this delicate mission. With 41 points on the clock, level with a fifth place, the team was able to offer a promising show to the public until the last day against Monza, marking the end of this positive stage.
Thirteen new players were integrated into the winter transfer window, including several foreigners, with the aim of creating rapid cohesion allowing the same score to be played on the pitch. “We didn't have the same appeal as other clubs, but President Piccoli offered me the best possible working conditions,” Rinaudo continues, referring to this successful “social experiment”. »
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Young defender Bragantini particularly stood out, revealing his qualities for Serie B, as did other young talents such as Dembelé, Marras, Benaissa and Kouda, who were carefully selected throughout the season.
Concerning Monza, champion of group B, Rinaudo does not criticize their failure in the playoffs. “The club, with Burdisso and Bianco, has done a thorough job of rebuilding the team in a difficult context. They came together and had a great season, just like Catanzaro, who created a real sensation. This great progression proves that quality football is possible in the South of Italy. »
Rinaudo also returns to his former club, Palermo, who failed to advance to Serie A this season. He believes that consistency has been lacking, despite high expectations driven by the arrival of Pippo Inzaghi. He also congratulates Venezia and Frosinone for their excellent campaign and says he is confident for the future of Palermo, driven by positive dynamics.
Finally, when asked about his future, Leandro Rinaudo showed himself ready to return to service: “I had some discussions. For me, it is essential to find a project where I can be myself, surrounded by people capable of helping me progress and where I can fully invest myself. I am very motivated and ready to commit, provided I find the right project. »
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