Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli returned to Fiorentina for a second period in November but resigned for personal reasons; Prandelli: “I am going through a period of deep anguish that prevents me from being who I really am”.
Cesare Prandelli has left his position as Fiorentina’s head coach, saying that a “black cloud” has developed within him.
The 63-year-old, who started a second spell with La Viola in November, says he is going through “a profound unease” and will leave football.
The former coach of the Italian national team leaves with the club 14th in Serie A, seven points above the rest zone.
“This is the second time I have left Fiorentina,” he said on the club’s official website.
“The first time it wasn’t my decision, but this time it is. In life, in addition to the good times, there are also dark times that can take you over.
“I am going through a period of deep anguish that prevents me from being who I really am. I started this experience with joy and love, driven by the enthusiasm of the new owners.
“It is likely that my love for the city, and memories of the great times I experienced here, have blinded me to the first signs that something was wrong inside.
“My decision was guided by the enormous responsibility I have towards the players, the club and – last but not least – the Fiorentina fans, for whom I have great esteem.
“All players of this level are talented, and when you have talent you are insightful – I wouldn’t want my angst to be caught and affect the team’s performance.
“Over the past few months, a dark cloud has been developing inside me, changing the way I see things.
“I came here to give 100 percent, but now I feel it is no longer possible and so I have decided to take a step back for the good of all involved.
“I would like to thank Rocco Commisso and his wonderful family, Joe Barone and Daniele Prade, who have always been right behind the team and me. But above all I want to thank the Florentines, who I understand.
“I am aware that this could be the end of my coaching career, but I have no regrets and I do not wish to have any.
“The world I’ve been a part of all my life is probably no longer right for me – I don’t see myself in it anymore.
“I have certainly changed, but the world is also moving faster than I thought. That’s why I think the time has come for me to stop being carried away, stop for a while and rediscover my true self once again ”.
Prandelli directed Fiorentina for the first time between 2005 and 2010, guiding them in the Champions League, so much so that he became the manager of the Azzurri in 2010.
He left the role after dropping out of the group stage at the 2014 World Cup and went on to manage Galatasaray and Valencia.
