TMW
One less to the derby. Sampdoria, after the home success against Sudtirol, will face Genoa in the Lanterna derby that is worth the sixteenth finals of the Coppa Italia. In view of the match at the “Ferraris”, the coach Andrea Subtle spoke at a press conference from the “Gloriano Mugnaini” sports center in Bogliasco.
How do you manage a match like the derby?
“The derby is not just any match. It is the match. It is a fundamental game and we have the obligation to be up to the task and ready. I am sure that the boys will arrive at this match in great shape. And then to give us and the fans the chance to advance to the next round, a real objective that we care about.”
Will there be choices based on the Modena match?
“I’m used to thinking game by game and that’s the only objective that interests us. Today it’s: everyone focused on the derby.”
Is there any player you can’t count on?
“As of today, everyone is available. Except for the long-term and injured players. The squad is complete. They have recovered very well. As always, I will make my considerations today and tomorrow but, as I said, it is good for us to play in this period. It is my first derby, I am experiencing it calmly, with enthusiasm and determination. It is good for us to play, this is how identity is created: by performing like against Sudtirol and finding mechanisms, rhythm and intensity. A match that does not need to be motivated but we must get there in a playful way”.
TMW – Can playing games like this represent a next mental step for the rest of the championship?
“I agree. And that’s what I was about to explain. When I talk about identity I’m referring to our way of playing. Playing this type of match against a team of a higher category clearly helps you shape and forge this identity. Regardless of the importance of the match. For the path we must continue to take, going through this type of match and performing up to par, they are all injections of self-esteem and awareness of this team”.
How will Coda and she who played for Genoa experience this derby?
“As for me, I played for Genoa 19 years ago. It was part of my journey as a footballer. Today I have another job, I am the coach of Sampdoria and with great enthusiasm my task is to focus on this beautiful project and take Sampdoria where it deserves to be. I had Coda in Syracuse, he is a very calm and quiet boy. Even if one lives his emotions in his own way. I see him as calm, a leader of this team. I am sure that he will arrive at this match focused. When you change teams in the same city there can be some grumbling but Massimo has the experience and age to know how to manage these situations”.
Do you already have any idea who some of the key players are?
“The focus is clearer and I have also focused on the particular nuances that you only pick up by training them on a daily basis. I always think, I repeat, that this is a very competitive squad in its entirety. Everyone must feel involved. Then in my head there is a backbone that has always been there in my teams and will be there in this journey too. Let’s not forget the five substitutions, like with Sudtirol, which gave a contribution to the team”.
What’s the last thing you’ll say to your kids?
“I always prepare it when the bell rings to start the engines, as I say. I go a lot by instinct. It’s clear that this match already charges itself. You play a derby with a full stadium, Marassi is fantastic to play football, I’ll have to be good at dosing the emotional aspect. I see the team very calm, we are on the eve but tomorrow we will have to be good at managing the day”.
Do you take into account the fact that on paper Sampdoria is weaker?
“I take this for granted. I have great respect for Genoa and of course. They are in a higher category. When I talk about identity I also talk about us. We have studied Genoa, but what matters is what we have to do to win the match. It is not an underestimation or failure to highlight that Genoa is in a higher category but thinking about what Sampdoria can do to win”.
What kind of derby do you expect?
“We’ll see on the pitch. Genoa has a few absences but is a team that has physicality, pace and quality. I expect an aggressive and intense match. Very hard-fought but at the same time a game with an important technical aspect. We also have quality, techniques, experience and speed. I expect a game played openly, as it should be, where we have to do our part and when Genoa has the ball we have to be good at limiting them”.
Pedrola?
“A player of great quality, with different characteristics to other strikers. He is almost ready. Next week I think he will be 100% integrated with the rest of the squad.”
Ferrari?
“I’ve already said: he’s available. He’s had some injuries that have limited his recovery, not only physically but also in that specific role condition, that match pace. I’m sure he’ll get back to his best condition.”
Will there be a three-man defense tomorrow?
“This team here can play with three or four. I like to give the team a clear line, always having a tactical variant. If it happens, you can change it because there are players who know how to interpret it well. For me it is important that the team has a clear plan A.”