Lecce President Saverio Sticchi Damiani confirms the clubs were surprised by the Government decree. “We expected to start training around May 4.”
Instead, the decree to ease coronavirus lockdown measures means citizens can go jogging in the park from May 4, while individual sporting athletes can train, but those participating in team sports can’t even set foot inside a training ground until May 18.
“The decree took everyone by surprise, because we expected to start training around May 4,” Sticchi Damiani told Radio Sportiva.
“Instead, they decided to err on the side of prudence and caution, so delayed everything. We are ready and organised, we’ve got a training ground structure that will allow for social distancing measures, so all we can do is wait for indications from the Government and Lega Serie A.”
The Lecce patron also discussed the difficult issue of negotiating player salary cuts during the lockdown.
“We are in constant contact, I explained the sporting and economic scenarios that await us, with the utmost transparency. Our club is healthy and must therefore keep the books balanced, but with a small effort from all components, we can keep this ship afloat.”