Collecchio, January 10, 2024 - Midfielder Simon Sohm's statements in the interview with Sky Sport.

A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON

'We need to keep going; we are in first place, and everyone wants to beat Parma. It's not easy, but we have the team and the mentality that is capable of winning the league. Pecchia? The first thing he brought was a lot of unity within our team; we all have fun together and know what we need to do to win. For us young players, it's important to know that the coach doesn't rule out age and lets the young ones play. We can make mistakes, we know that, but it gives us even more confidence and responsibility. The first goal in the league? I want to score more in these next upcoming matches.'

FOURTH SEASON AND 100 APPEARANCES IN YELLOW AND BLUE

'This year, we are a good team, we are all together, and we have confidence in our teammates. We've seen in the results and matches that we are ready to achieve great things. My fourth season at Parma? Many things have changed in four years; two or three players are still here since I arrived. Now the mentality is different; when I arrive in the morning, we have fun in the locker room. Like for me initially, young players face difficulties. I had them too. But now I feel very good, especially in my relationship with the city. My role on the field? I try to help the team. If the coach tells me to play on the right or in the middle, I'm ready to do a good job and assist my teammates. I like being in midfield, in front of the defense, or with two in the middle. I also like the trequartista position now.'

THE 'CONNECTION' WITH THE CITY OF PARMA

'Tortelli di erbetta is my favorite dish. Otherwise, in my free time, I like to stay calm, watch Netflix at home, do some online shopping, rest well, or go downtown for a coffee with friends. Fans? I like going downtown maybe to a bar or restaurant. We also live close to other teammates, and I enjoy speaking to fans when I'm out and about.'

IDOL GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO AND THE NBA

'During the holidays, I relaxed and rested, and now I'm ready to start playing again. I watched a game, Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks, and enjoyed it. I saw Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he's incredibly strong. It was my first live NBA game. Me as Giannis Antetokounmpo in football? Yes, I would like that; it would be beautiful. But I have to work as hard as he does. At the beginning of his career, he was very slim; now he has worked a lot on his physique and in the gym. I think that's the first thing I need to do.'