Sir Alberto Gilardino presents the Lanterna derby. Tomorrow night Genoa will take to the field against Sampdoria for the round of 32 of the Coppa Italia, a challenge that is not coming up in the best way: “Matches must be prepared against everyone. They don’t prepare themselves. Yesterday I told the boys that they are lucky enough to play and experience one of the most beautiful derbies, one of the most beautiful matches they will play in their careers”.
How are the injured players?
“Messias was recovering from his problem, he had to extend this absence and I hope only for a few days. From next week we will make other instrumental evaluations to confirm his return to the team”.
After Venice, how did you see the team?
“We all hug Ruslan for what happened to him. I’ve heard from him these days, he already wants to get back with the team. He’s an extraordinary guy as well as a great professional. We’re waiting for him. In these days, even during the match analysis, I said to the guys what I said at the end of the game: regardless of Ruslan’s injury or the thought for tomorrow’s game, it’s unthinkable to drop like this. This can’t be what took away our energy and stopped us thinking and playing as a team. I think we’ve learned the lesson. It was a hard lesson to digest but we have the opportunity tomorrow night, a great opportunity. After the game there was bitterness and sadness. Defeats are part of the journey, but there are defeats and defeats. Those who play against Genoa have to work hard to score goals. We have to become annoying to play against, very annoying. The lesson was useful to everyone, me first and foremost, and now let’s think about tomorrow’s match”.