Baresi asked to clarify Fulham unrest

13 April 2012

Fulham swept into Italy for tonight's first leg of the InterToto Cup Final against Bologna with uncertainty hanging over Franco Baresi's future as the club's director of football.

Criticism voiced by the former AC Milan star about a lack of transfer funds has been met with anger and incredulity among senior club officials and it is understood he will be asked to explain his comments.

There is added concern that he should voice dissent at a time when a player signed on his recommendation has been made available for transfer after just eight weeks at Fulham.

Facundo Sava was bought for £2million from Argentinian club Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata in May and has made two appearances in InterToto Cup- ties. Sportsmail has learned, however, that the striker has failed to impress manager Jean Tigana - whose input on his signing was minimal - and will be sold as soon as possible.

Controversy has dogged Italy legend Baresi since his appointment with regard to how his presence would affect Tigana. Their uneasy co-existence came to a head last week when the original contract signed by Baresi, to be the club's director of football, was amended from three years to six months.

It is believed it was changed when it was pointed out Tigana has a clause in his contract stating that nobody can be appointed who can exercise any authority over him in team affairs - including transfers in and out of the club.

The Italian's job description is since understood to have been changed to 'football advisor to Mohamed Al Fayed', although how long he remains in the employ of the Harrods owner is now a matter of conjecture.

One man intent on staying at Craven Cottage, though, is Barry Hayles. The striker, who has been kept out of the team by Louis Saha and Steve Marlet, is hoping to start the first leg of the final in the Renato D'all Ara Stadium after netting one of the

goals which helped Fulham beat French side Sochaux.

'The goal last week was important for me and I want to score more,' said Hayles who was a £2m target for West Bromwich. 'I never asked to leave Fulham and it never got as far as me actually talking to any other club.

'I want to stay at Fulham and fight for my place, and I want to give the manager a big selection headache. Hopefully I can get a chance in Bologna and score again - and give him something to think about.'

A good result tonight would set Fulham on the road to entry to the UEFA Cup and what would be another landmark for the club who have been rejuvenated under the stewardship of Tigana and Al Fayed.

Fulham go into the first leg without Irish defender Steve Finnan, who has an ankle injury, Lee Clark and Martin Djetou, still not fully fit a month after joining on a year's loan from Parma.

Fulham have completed the signing of wing back Pierre Wome from Inter Toto Final rivals Bologna. The Cameroon international has agreed a one-year loan deal, with a view to making the move permanent next season.

Wome - who is rated at £2.5m - will not play against his former team- mates tonight because of an agreement between the clubs. His work permit has not yet arrived in any case.

There was further good news for Fulham on the eve of their attempt to play in the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history when Marlet was named in the France squad to face Tunisia.

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Baresi asked to clarify Fulham unrest

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