After fulfilling its obligations to participate in the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa with a qualification to the 1/8 finals, on Sunday, November 5, at 16:15, Cremonese will face Spezia in the 12th round of the BKT series. Here are the statements of Mr. Giovanni Stroppa at the press conference the day before.
How are the team doing after the Italian Cup match?
“Everything is going smoothly, we have recovered everyone except Afena-Gyan and morale is fine: we ensured the match continued in Cittadella and bringing home a result on Tuesday was not easy given how things turned out. The team deserved to go out and in the end, even if the championship remains our priority, we won in Cremona. I hope this was the right time to break the ice: however, now we need to ensure continuity in Cittadella’s performance.”
Spice finds continuity of results. What race are you looking forward to?
“They have a superb category engine, as do many players with fitness and legs: you have to be very careful on a technical level not to miss games or give them negative transitions to chase. This is a team that expands capabilities and moves vertically with quality. I know Alvini very well and have a lot of respect for him, as you rightly said that he is reclaiming his identity as a category team. They had some initial difficulties, but they are in full swing to challenge everyone and they are competitive.”
How to defeat Spezia?
“First of all, I would like the team to return to the field the characteristics that we saw last Friday in Cittadella, they sent a strong signal in terms of character and we need to start from there. Intelligence and competitive spirit always matter, the technical aspect always comes later.”
What did the players’ performances in the Coppa Italia leave you with?
“I chose them because they gave me the right signals during training; in my career, I don’t think I’ve ever changed 11 players from one match to another. This means that the team is competitive and strong even on a mental level: everyone is motivated and working as hard as they can to win the starting shirt. Then it is clear that I will have to make a choice, there are no permanent owners, but I do not change just for the sake of change. Those who played a lot have recovered and are ready, tomorrow I will be able to choose the best.”
Could we see Buonaiuto again as a midfielder with Vazquez in attack?
“Absolutely yes. Buonaiuto played a great match in Cittadella, alternating important moments with continuity of play, which is what we demand from him. Vazquez can either play as a midfielder or play alongside Coda, there are other options, we’ll see tomorrow. The idea is “To create the most competitive team possible, but there are equally fundamental changes that can increase the technical and psychological strength of the team.”
Spezia and Cremonese use a mirror module. What pitfalls might arise?
“Beyond the opposing side, I would like to take steps forward. We need to improve our ball control and be less slow. It will take time to play smoothly: in Cittadella we did it in the first 25 minutes, but then we encountered some difficulties. We have to get better at holding the ball, not being slow and predictable, but moving vertically, creating space and being able to recognize the right moments.”
Cremonese always has a lot of possibilities, but in terms of finishing, Coda is so far the most effective…
“The main thing is to get there. I would be worried if the team didn’t create those opportunities. The shots we take on goal are not very good, they need to be taken on goal, but the team must continue to work like that, because what we do is not enough for me: I want it to be more cynical and effective. We should add someone to the list of scorers, but if Koda always scored and we always won, it wouldn’t be a problem.”
How much Stroppa is in this cremonese?
“I have two thoughts: the first is training, during which the team really goes on the right path, becomes strong, and I like that. I’m not saying he has mastered all the concepts, but there is certainly a clear path and we are following it very well. Then comes the match and in that sense I feel a little further along, there’s a lot to work on and I mean giving continuity to performances like Cittadella’s. Mentally they gave me important signals, tactically and technically we were there at some stages and not at others. Even after two months I could answer this way because we are never satisfied. In any case, the predisposition in children is total, and we are trying to reduce the time.”
How can you reduce those falls you report during a race?
“Keeping my head down and pedaling is the only thought that comes to my mind at the moment. We must persist and not become demoralized in more difficult situations and never give up. They may seem like trivial concepts, but they get results.”
Massimiliano Alvini said he was unhappy with the schedule for the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia, in which his Spezia played two days after Cremonese. What do you think?
“I could say the same thing if the roles were reversed. We’ve both had losses, but playing two to five days before the match definitely makes a difference.”
Source: Tutto Mercato Web
I am Ben Stock and I work in Athletistic as an author. My specialty is covering football news and other related topics. I have been writing for this website since the past 2 years, crafting compelling stories with the latest updates in the sports world. My articles have gained widespread appreciation amongst readers due to their accuracy and depth of research.
