Paolo di Canio will be the centre of attention tonight when he takes Swindon Town to face local rivals Oxford United in the Football Laegue Trophy.
Sunday’s first defeat of the season at Preston turned out to be highly eventful with di Canio substituting goalkeeper Wes Foderingham after just 21 minutes with Swindon trailing 2-0.
That decision turned some Swindon fans against their manager with Foderingham kicking over a bottle of water and storming down the tunnel.
After his side’s 4-1 defeat di Canio claimed that Foderingham was one of the worst players he had ever seen with the row simmering on.
Yesterday manager and player apparently made peace with each other but the outburst from the former Celtic and AC Milan striker has turned the spotlight on the League One club.
Asked after the match about the decision to replace his goalkeeper di Canio fired back saying: “He is one of the worst players I have ever seen. There was no reason why I could not change him for a substitute.
“He was the worst player against Stoke in midweek but we won that game 4-3.
“Any player can make a mistake but it was his arrogance and ignorance that was the worst I have seen from a professional.
“Not as a person but as an athlete. If he does not say sorry to the fans, he will be out of my team. I don’t mind, these are my rules.
“Maybe he behaved like this because the window has closed. But an emergency loan is possible and I’m ready to bring in a goalkeeper.”
Former Celt Paul Caddis also fell foul of di Canio recently and was promptly sent on a season long loan to Birmingham City.
Yesterday Swindon attempted to patch things up with statements from their manager and goalkeeper but when interviewed later by Sky Sports News di Canio had turned his anger on the Swindon fans.
“If the fans are angry they can come and see me,” he said speaking directly to the camera. “If they aren’t happy I will give them their money back.
“If they aren’t happy at the County Ground they can go and watch Oxford United.”
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Sorry Paulo, you lost my support after your other rant about how Mussolini was just a nice man who was misunderstood by the world. You were a great footballer, but your as mad as a badger.
I love this guy! Bonkers! D_I_Caaaanio! D_I_Caaaanio!!
That’s not management. That’s bullying and intimidation. You need more than that in the modern game.
Alex Ferguson is prone to a bad tempered rant, possibly even physical stuff too, but behind closed doors. Public humiliation is not a good managerial tactic.
Di Canio lost my respect after his ‘leetle problem’ episode with TB, Fergus and the whole Celtic fraternity.
A supremely talented footballer but a complete nutbar. I have no idea how anyone could work with of for this guy.
He lost my respect a while back when he said scotland and celtic need the dead club. Plus the fact that he does’nt keep his promise’es re a certain player called furguson.nutjob.if only the swindon fans took his offer up.paolo show me the money.that would shut him up for a while.
A piece of shite, from his right wing leanings,to his I HAVE A PROBLEM,so soon after we got pumped by falkirk in semis of cup,the total opposite of THE MAGNIFICENT 7…….