Novellino wants Recoba reunion

Sampdoria Coach Walter Novellino believes he could get the best out of errant Inter man Alvaro Recoba.

"At Inter they never really understood Recoba," the tactician told 'Guerin Sportivo'. "He needs patience and must be treated like the Champion he is."

The Uruguayan shot to fame in Serie A when he almost single-handedly saved Venezia from relegation during a loan spell in 1999.

Novellino was in charge at the time and there were reports the pair could reunite at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris this coming season.

"Recoba can bring something out of the bag," continued the Samp boss, "but you can’t expect him to perform tricks all the time."

The creative midfielder was increasingly at odds with the fans and Coach Hector Cuper last term, particularly when he was left on the bench.

"If a player like him knows he has only thirty minutes on the field, he’s not even going to attempt certain tricks."

[channel4.com]