Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini feels betrayed by coach Davide Ballardini's decision to leave the club.

Ballardini announced this week his wish to leave the Sicilian club this summer after just one season in charge, much to Zamparini's disappointment.

"He (Ballardini) wants to leave," said Zamparini. "He says I've stressed him."

Zamparini has a proneness to sack head coaches as he fired a total of 26 since entering the football world in 1987.

However, he admitted Ballardini's decision has taken him by surprise considering the coach is under contract with Palermo through June 2011.

"It feels as though your wife has just told you she is leaving you," said Zamparini.

Ballardini replaced Stefano Colantuono at the helm of Palermo back in September and guided the islanders to an eighth-place finish in Serie A.

The Italian tactician admitted working under Zamparini was difficult.

"I am not in agreement with how the president deals with the people that work for him," said Ballardini. "I didn't like certain comments made by the president during the season.

"We had a meeting this week and I expressed my views.

"We will find a solution and we have given ourselves a June 10 deadline.

"But the likelihood is that I will leave."

The outspoken Zamparini believes the likely departure of Ballardini will not change his team's ambition for next season.

"We will reinforce the team and aim to finish in the Champions League positions next season," he said.

"There are 20 coaches available and we will sign one of them."