Romanian football legend Adrian Mutu has harshly criticized Mauro Pederzoli, Rapid’s soon-to-depart sporting director, calling him "invisible" for his lack of impact this season. Pederzoli, who will leave the club this summer, is stepping down a year before his contract expires.

Mutu, who is known as "Brilliant," argues that Pederzoli did not play a significant role in the team's performance, hence the pejorative term "invisible." Rapid, despite substantial investments, has failed to make an impact in European competitions once again.

Pederzoli's Role in Question

Mutu points out that Pederzoli’s role seemed non-existent, highlighting the stark contrast with sporting directors in Italy, who play a crucial part in the success of a club. These directors are constantly alongside the main coach, overseeing the coach's work and training sessions, engaging with players, and managing a budget to achieve the club’s objectives.

"This Italian seems like he didn’t exist. Moldovan wasn’t the president, like Angelescu is now. I don't believe that Viorel Moldovan had the signing authority at Rapid; he was more like a sports director, I think. Instead, Pederzoli was the one in the sporting director’s role. He was truly invisible," Mutu said to DigiSport.

Pederzoli’s Career

Mauro Pederzoli, 64, has over 25 years of international football experience. He began his career as a sporting director at Brescia in 2000 and has since worked for several prominent clubs, including Cagliari, Liverpool, Torino, AC Milan's youth team, Novara, Cerro Porteno, and Parma.