Valencia’s controversial businessman owner Peter Lim doesn’t care what anyone thinks – not even Valencia fans. Even though he has made many mistakes since taking control of one of Spain’s biggest clubs, he shows no signs of stopping. His latest decision is to hire the former Italian international midfielder and a largely underwhelming coach Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach.Valencia are close to appointing Gennaro Gattuso as the club’s new coach according to a report by Marca. The Italian is currently in Singapore meeting with Peter Lim about replacing Jose Bordalas, who will leave after an uninspiring season in charge. pic.twitter.com/DLtXBcKdtA— Football España (@footballespana_) June 1, 2022 The Italian was nicknamed Ringhio (Italian word for snarl, the sound dog makes when agitated) because he was a natural-born fighter. His touchline demeanour is pretty much the same. The only difference is that he no longer tackles the opponents. Thankfully!Even though an official confirmation from Valencia is still awaited, the Italian has flown to Singapore to meet Lim and discuss plans for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, current Valencia boss Jose Bordalas remains in Spain, seemingly waiting for the sack and a $750,000 compensation for his imminent dismissal.Thursday, 19.00: (2.25) Mozambique (3.10) Rwanda (3.50)Valencia ended the last season with a massive fan protest, with the final match of the season played in front of near-empty stands of their Mestalla stadium. During the game, thousands of fans were in the streets surrounding the ground, protesting against Lim and urging him to sell the club and leave.There was a match being played on the Mestalla pitch, but the real struggle was outside the stadiumGattuso’s last job was managing Fiorentina, although he left his post before he’d actually taken control of the team. Before that, his spell with Napoli ended poorly as they failed to qualify for the Champions League on the last day of the 2020/21 campaign. Gattuso may not have much success as a manager, but he does have an influential agent – Jorge Mendes. One of the game’s “super agents”, Mendes suggested Gattuso to Lim, and the businessman said “why not” or something along those lines.The Mad Dog even tried his luck in Greece with a short-lived spell with OFI Crete. That period of his coaching career is now best remembered for his infamous press conference in which he described his team’s performances as “sometimes may be good, sometimes may be sh*t”. Said video became a viral joke. Gattuso must do well to get his career of the ground unless he wants to be remembered as a clown. However, being successful at Lim’s Valencia is a tall order indeed.
Since taking control of Valencia in August 2014, Lim has brought in 13 different coaches, nine of which have been so-called ‘permanent’ appointments. But the eccentric businessman would quickly show them the door. Gattuso will become the club’s tenth boss in less than eight years. In all those seasons, Valencia has only one trophy, the 2018/19 Copa del Rey, under the current Athletic Club coach Marcelino Garcia Toral.What in the world will next season look like for the 2003/04 UEFA Cup winners? Nobody knows – but it won’t be dull. It never is with Peter Lim.