Salernitana’s goalkeeper and captain Luigi Sepe spoke on Radio TV Serie A: “We’re having a good moment, we’re coming off an important victory but Serie B isn’t easy. We haven’t conceded a goal in a few games and we’re doing everything we can to get back up the ladder. classification”.
What does it feel like to wear the captain’s armband in an important team with an important fanbase?
“It’s a beautiful thing but it shouldn’t distract from other more important things like having the right attitude and putting yourself at the service of the team. The armband is something more but I can say that there are 20 captains and we are a fantastic group.”
Do you talk about goals in the locker room?
“Knowing the players and the Salernitana squad, it is certain that the objectives must be important. Reaching them, however, is difficult, let’s see the case of Palermo and Cremonese. We know that we have to give everything and that we must however bring Salernitana back to Serie A”.
What environment and team did you find after your return from Lazio?
“At the player level it has changed completely. However, the context is still the same, people come to the stadium today as well as in Serie A, the club is always present as it was before. The staff then works very well and makes everything available what is needed.”
In terms of talents, can you tell us about Tongya?
“A strong and committed boy, he knows how to stay in the group and is fundamental. There are also other young people like Amatucci who is very strong but there are others too. There is a mix of young and old who we hope can take us to the top” .
Are your past experiences coming in handy? Is there any anecdote in particular?
“Everything in life is useful, especially in our sport. It leads you to meet lots of players, if you know how to take something from each one you always bring something to learn. I’ve met players who have won world championships and they teach you a lot, like arriving early on the field for example “.
Is there a striker who has caused you great difficulties in your career?
“I faced so many of them. In Sarri’s Napoli it was something exceptional in training. They did things that can’t be described. Sarri did one-touch training and it was a spectacle. Something I probably won’t see again.”
How have you seen the Naples environment grow too? Can it be repeated in Salerno with the necessary proportions?
“After years of Serie A, Napoli aimed for the Scudetto. Salerno made a lot of mistakes last year, now we have to get things back on track to bring it back to where it deserves. For the city, for the club and for the fans, it doesn’t deserve to be in Serie A. It must fight to stay in Serie A for many years.
A judgment on Martusciello and the relationship with him?
“Beautiful but not since last year. In my first year in Serie A it was the second, in Empoli. I know what he asks for and what kind of person he is. He lives for football and values. He’s trying to create a healthy group, but he alone isn’t enough though , we need the players and the environment.”
Does he resemble Sarri in his idea of football?
“They try to do the same things and it can’t be any other way. Then he also adds something of his own but the idea is always Sarri’s 4-3-3.”
What is different about them?
“In the approach of the human aspect. Martusciello knows how to joke more, Sarri is more of a sergeant. They take you in a different way, Martusciello is more joking.”
You also experienced the transition to Tudor, what didn’t go well with Lazio last year?
“Sarri and Tudor are totally opposite to each other on a tactical level. Last year was difficult because we came from a second place and the expectations were higher. The European Cups were played, there were many things that they didn’t bring Lazio back to the Champions League. I hope they can get there again. I still hear from 4-5 players almost every day.”
The new generation?
“It happens, we live in a totally different world than before. As long as they do regular things, it’s okay for them to do what they want, like playing the PlayStation.”
Do you see much difference compared to when you started, talking about young people?
“Currently after a match we talk on social media for a week. Before, you got to Tuesday and then you were already thinking about the next match. To be a footballer you need character. You can’t expect everyone to speak well of you, especially us who are less good than the others. They criticize Ronaldo and Messi. We just have to do well day after day to try to transform negative opinions into positive ones.”
Were you prepared last year to be the third goalkeeper?
“It wasn’t something I had prepared for. He had gone to Lazio because I had some discussions with some people. I didn’t know I was doing the third otherwise I wouldn’t have gone but Lazio didn’t think so either. Then during the year things changed, I they were on loan and Mandas was an interesting young man, I expected it but it’s the attitude that counts.
Dia asked you something about Lazio, are you listening to him?
“Great player who deserves that place. It’s up to him to continue as he started. They tell me that he arrives precisely on the pitch and doesn’t bother, he’s committed. He’s made an important step that will open important doors for him. I’m happy for him. He’s had difficulties but it was normal after the relegation and after a lawsuit with the club. He was good and courageous, he helped us in the Italian Cup and he always trained with desire. When he left I was happy for him because he was returning to Serie A.”
Are you superstitious? If you reach your goal, what are you willing to do?
“Not a lot. The objective must be Serie A and then I don’t know if we will succeed. In May, if necessary, we’ll talk and decide.”