According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Carlos Cuesta’s position at Parma is precarious, even though the team has secured its place in Serie A with four matches left in the season. The primary concern revolves around the team’s defensive playing style.
While Cuesta, the youngest coach in Serie A at 29, successfully guided Parma to comfortable survival this season, his tenure at the Stadio Tardini may conclude after the summer.
Cuesta, who previously served as an assistant to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, was appointed by Parma last summer. He took over from Cristian Chivu, who had managed to keep the team in the top flight on the final day of the previous season.
Despite achieving a commendable result this season, particularly in light of significant player sales, including Ange-Yoan Bonny to Inter, this success may not be sufficient to guarantee Cuesta’s continued employment. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the Spaniard’s job is not secure.
Throughout the season, Parma adopted a predominantly defensive approach, leading to one of the lowest-scoring records in Serie A. The team netted just 27 goals in 37 games, matching Lecce and only narrowly surpassing the bottom-placed teams. Their strategy often involved a deep defensive block, relying on long balls, set pieces, and counter-attacks for scoring opportunities. While this approach proved effective for survival, Parma may be seeking a more offensive-minded coach for the upcoming season.
Reports indicate that a significant portion of Parma’s fanbase is dissatisfied with the team’s uninspiring style of play this season. These concerns are reportedly shared by some club directors as well.
Cuesta is currently under contract until June 2027, with an option for an extension until 2028. Following the team’s final match of the season against Sassuolo, Cuesta is scheduled to meet with club management to discuss the future direction.
La Gazzetta dello Sport speculates that it “would not be surprising to see Parma with another coach next season.”
