Ahead of the match in Avellino, Spezia coach Luca D’Angelo spoke about the team’s approach: “After the Cesena game, the President decided to speak, and that decision had to be respected, which is why I didn’t comment. I believe we didn’t deserve the defeat because we started very well and, beyond the first goal, we could have doubled the lead. But then we struggled after the equalizer, and just before halftime we conceded a second goal from a set piece. In the second half, we pushed from the start, trying to find the equalizer that would have been deserved, but unfortunately we couldn’t score the second goal.
On Monday, I went to train the team as usual. That was my main focus over the weekend, along with analyzing the Cesena match. I believe the team should play not for their coach, but for Spezia, for the fans, for the people who work for the Club and suffer in this moment, for their families, and for themselves. They shouldn’t play for Luca D’Angelo, because I’m just passing through like everyone else in football. They must play for the good of Spezia, that’s the only thing that matters.
Our style of play is very structured. Perhaps recently opponents have been able to counter us, and we haven’t been flawless, but even against Cesena the team showed improvement. Out of 13 goals conceded, 9 came from set pieces, which shows the defense holds up, but obviously we must improve on dead-ball situations, where concentration is crucial.
Problems in building from the back? Last year, we were fourth in possession and third in possession in the opponent’s half. Now the average is normal, but the quality is lower, and that’s an area we need to improve, no doubt about it.
Feeling powerless? We must respond on the field, not with words, but I understand the criticism, and it’s up to us to prove otherwise.
We can only thank those who will travel to Avellino, especially given the distance and circumstances. Our fans can never be blamed, they’ve always supported us. The criticism after Cesena was inevitable and fair because when things don’t go well, it causes them pain, so it’s natural they express disappointment. What did they ask? They urged us to react and give even more, and I’m convinced the team can grow in terms of performance. Regarding effort, I know the players are giving everything, many of them from last year and deeply connected to the Club and the city.
In Avellino, we must play an outstanding game, that’s the baseline. Since we have the qualities to do it, we must put into practice everything from training, adding the adrenaline of the match, because attitude is key to achieving the desired result.
Bandinelli? He’s very important, but we can’t hide behind the absence of a strong player like Filippo. We hope he returns soon; he’s progressing, but right now we must manage without him.
Messages from the fans? I can only thank them. I know some criticize because we’re not doing well, but I don’t take it personally. It wouldn’t be right for them to support me only out of gratitude for the past two years. Football moves fast, and recognition is measured at the end of the season. During the year, it’s fair for a coach to be criticized, and I feel the fans close even in this difficult moment.
I don’t see similarities to my arrival here, especially emotionally, because this is a team fully committed to the project, determined to get out of this phase. It’s a solid locker room, no doubts there.
Vlahovic? Between his pre-season injury and previous suspensions, his integration was delayed, but I have great confidence in him.
Kouda? Against Cesena he struggled after some mistakes in situations where he’s usually strong. He knows he must improve mentally and react. Up to that point, he had been among the most positive in the early games. He needs to stay calm and focus on performing.
Esposito? Other teams know him, so against Cesena we tried to change tactics to give him more freedom. This partially troubled Cesena, even if not perfectly, though we remain vulnerable on set pieces, mainly mentally".
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