Rayyan Baniyacentral defender of Palermo, was interviewed by Corriere dello Sport. Many topics were touched upon, starting from the rosanero season: “Before coming I spoke with Dionisi but when you hear Palermo it’s easy to accept. I was making my debut but I thought that Serie B was suitable to continue growing as I’m doing. In terms of characteristics I am a defender who can combine speed and size, I can handle 1-on-1s all over the field, I can play at 3 or 4”.
And then there are the inactive ball insertions.
“In Palermo I have already scored 2 goals but I am looking for more. With Massimiliano Sigolo, who is part of the technical staff, we work a lot on this aspect: I have a specific area to attack by taking advantage of my 1.94”.
Injuries held her back, which today seem to have been overcome.
“I prefer not to talk about it, they are part of the life of every athlete and there is no point in emphasizing them. Overcoming difficulties also makes you stronger.”
And then there are the missed goals that allowed Palermo to climb back up the table: start of 2025 with two victories.
“We came from a period in which everything was going against us, we made avoidable mistakes. But I was convinced that we would get out of it, I saw it in training. Is the change in formation decisive? At 3 we are happy, we defend solidly, we look at effectiveness and in this respect we have improved: a few months ago we would not have achieved these two victories.”
Sunday in Reggio Emilia for the trio?
“Slowly, Reggiana has fewer points than us but plays well, is young and dangerous. Of course, Palermo’s self-esteem has grown, we are all convinced that it is not too late for a great result. But I’m not talking about comebacks, I’m just saying that we have in mind to score as many points as possible and then look at where we will be. In the meantime we need the continuity that we have lacked so far.”
What is Baniya’s goal today?
“Bringing Palermo to the top, and personally reaching Serie A, something that any footballer always dreams of. And then… Becoming a regular starter for the Turkish national team.”