Collecchio, 8 January 2024 - The statements of midfielder Adrian Bernabé in the interview given to Sky Sport.

GROUP AWARENESS

'We have finished 2023 on a high note, both personally for me and for the team. And we hope that in 2024, there will be many successes and good health. We know what we need to achieve, we know that we need to work every day to get there. We are aware that we are in a good position, but there's still a long way to go. We've only gone halfway through the season; it's true that we've done very well, but we're all aware. If we lose two matches, we could end up third. So, we need to accelerate even more and win more matches. And at the end of the year, perhaps... we need more awareness. The first two years weren't easy for everyone, both for us, the fans, and the Club. These were two years where we tried, but we had many new and foreign players. Maybe we needed time, and now we feel like a close-knit group, not only on the field but also outside the locker room. And you can see the reflection of this on the field. I believe that this is our greatest strength, with a great group and a great staff that stays closely connected, we believe the sky is the limit.'

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NUMBER TEN

'I have always liked the number ten, ever since I was a child. Many players like Messi, Ronaldinho, Ozil, wore it, and as a trequartista or central midfielder, I always looked up to them to improve and adapt my game. It's true, it's a number I like, and it's a responsibility because many great players have worn that number here at Parma. But I like having that responsibility; I like having that number and I like having that pressure. It makes me perform better when I have it. Yes, It's true that I'm scoring goals and providing assists, but it wouldn't mean anything if we weren't at the top. We want to achieve that goal of staying at the top till the end.'

MESSI, RONALDINHO, OZIL

'Messi, the greatest in history, I used to watch him when my dad took me to the stadium in Barcelona. Ronaldinho was still there; he was incredible too. Then, as I grew up, I watched Real Madrid games for Ozil; I liked him a lot even after he went to Arsenal. Also, David Silva, there are many great number ten's. I have loved football since I was little, and I have always watched those players who I could resemble my game to and help me improve my way of playing on the field.'

THE RELATIONSHIP WITH PARMA: CLUB AND CITY

'Since I arrived two and a half years ago, I have felt very welcomed by the city and the fans. And also by my teammates. The first year was tough, last year we started so-so but finished very well. When I found out that Fabio (Pecchia, ed.) was still here, and that the Club tried to retain all the young players, I tried to give it a go because I have confidence that this could be the year after seeing the growth of the squad these first two years. I was very happy to make this choice; we are waiting and working to make things go well in the end.'

RENEWAL WITH PARMA CALCIO

'Even if we were to suffer three consecutive defeats, I do not regret renewing my contract. Losing happens in football, no one likes it, but sometimes you have to lose to later win and improve even more. Whatever the result is in the end, I won't regret my contract renewel. I renewed with Parma because I have been very happy here in the first two years, I noticed the city is was always with me, and I am with them. I have a special relationship with the fans, I care about my teammates, and I stayed here because I want to take Parma where it deserves.'

WORKING WITH COACH FABIO PECCHIA

'He has worked very hard; it shows on the field but also in the locker room. It's not easy being a coach because you have many strong players who want to play, and you can only field eleven. It's not easy to have a squad entirely made up of young players eager to get on the field. Instead, he made us feel that we are all part of the project, and we all feel important. This is thanks to Fabio and the staff who are with us every day. And we can all see this translating to the pitch.'

THE CONNECTION WITH MAN

'It's all-natural; when you have a strong player like him next to you, everything becomes easier. I know what kind of player he is; he likes the ball at his feet, but he's also fast. When he passes me the ball and makes a move to open up space, I know I must find him because he becomes very dangerous. He had a strong first part of the season when he found space. He is one of the most important players for us, but we need to exploit him even more because he is in form. I am always grateful to look for him, and I like that he looks for me. Let's keep going like this!'