Parma, August 11, 2024 - Post-match comments from coach Fabio Pecchia following the Parma 0-1 Palermo game 1st knockout round of the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa.
'I got angry when we conceded the goal, especially since it happened during our best spell. We played very well in the second part of the first half, but we paid dearly for a lapse in concentration. In the second half, the game was defined by that goal, although, all things considered, the team deserved a different outcome. Bonny? We need to assess Angelo’s injury. Now we have to focus on the Serie A campaign and prepare to face a strong team. We're in a tough spot, no doubt. Over the last year, the last significant injury we had was with Benedyczak. Lately, we've lost a couple of players, which is frustrating as we head into the Fiorentina match in such a challenging situation. But we'll keep pushing forward, building up the players’ fitness week by week. Overall, I liked the team’s performance. The first 10 minutes need to be reviewed, but after that, we controlled the game.
The matches against Galatasaray and Atalanta were tactically different, with different game management, just like the game against Palermo, which reminded me of situations we faced in previous seasons. Despite everything, we created plenty of opportunities to score. Nothing has fundamentally changed, just the type of game we played. The transfer market? I said a week ago that the squad needs completing, and we haven’t had any new signings yet. It’s like repeating myself. Fortunately, Bernabé will return this week, which is a positive note. Beyond that, there isn’t much more to say. In midfield, Nahuel and Willy played a great game, and with Hernani, we have more rotation options. Hernani's recovery time? It won’t be long, but I have to focus on the Fiorentina match, and I certainly won’t have him available. The goal we conceded? It was a general lapse in focus, which is disappointing. It affected the whole team structure and cost us the game. Suzuki? He’s improving his Italian, studying, and that will help his integration'.
