Collecchio, December 27, 2024 - Here are Coach Fabio Pecchia's comments during the press conference in anticipation of MD18 of the championship against Monza, made in the press room of the Mutti Training Center in Collecchio.

WE'LL RESUME WITH THE USUAL ATTITUDE

'Enrico will not be there and Estevez is not yet ready; having said that, we must not think about who is out. Even if we have 11 players, or 10, we have to think about the match, about the mental aspect. All energy must be directed to the players who are there because on the field, we must be responsible above all to ourselves. To ask for enthusiasm is more complicated, but I continue to ask for confidence: confidence in our work and also in everything we do. To be able to react is a way to come out stronger from certain situations. After the defeat in Rome, I told the boys to have a good Christmas, even if our job affects our private life. Then I added that we will resume our path with the usual attitude.'

OUR CHAMPIONSHIP JOURNEY

‘In the meantime, the data taken on 3 or 4 matches only have a relative value: we have to analyse the whole path. In the last matches we faced Inter, Atalanta, Lazio, Roma and Hellas, but now we have to think about Monza, play with our strengths, with our energy. Against Monza, everyone, even the fans must push: we need them too. So much will depend on our attitude on the field, and if we can push our fans it will be an important Tardini experience for us too. Right now, we have to think about Monza. What we did in the last match was not enough, and we all have to do something more. A young group like ours must also learn from these moments; we need the ability to face them with great spirit and professionalism, of which I have no doubt. Our championship will consist of these demanding and tough moments, but we must have the strength to face them.'

LEAGUE SURVIVAL

‘The final objective is clear: we must hold on to our league. The classification is quite clear: there is a group that plays a league apart and another group that is behind them. We are facing this championship with a squad that has already been affected, a very young group, plus there has been an ‘extraordinary situation’ with the injury of four players, who will be out until the end of the season. It is clear that we will have to find help from the market from a numerical point of view to reintegrate the squad.'

WE MUST BE PASSIONATE

‘Against Monza I'll have to consider the condition of the players and I'll also have to think about what we've done this month. We could go back to the same set-up as last time. But beyond the tactical set-up, there's the mental aspect that has to be the main focus. We will have to be passionate. We must put all this on the pitch because Monza, apart from the change of coach, has scored around 100 points in Serie A in recent years. Knowing Sasà, to whom I wish good luck and the best... from the day after tomorrow, I don't think Monza will change their style of play much, also because in 2-3 days it's not possible to do it. Instead, we will have to pay attention to the mental game.'