The Salento coach: “Against Atalanta they were in the match until the end, the same against Tottenham. We must be ready on the level of personality.”

Marco Giampaolo, the coach of Lecce, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the Olimpico challenge against Roma. Here are his words:

On Bove. “I want to extend my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Edoardo Bove. I wasn’t able to do so on Sunday and I make it a point to do so today”.

How has Lecce been performing this week?“It’s been a week of hard work; we have deepened our knowledge and have been increasingly understanding the intricacies of the team. Coming from a good result helps us to work better, and we are on the path of consistency.”

What kind of game will it be against Roma? “We are expecting a difficult match in Rome. I’ve watched the games under Ranieri’s management and he had two good matches, both with Napoli and Atalanta. Roma was in the game until the end against Atalanta as well as against Tottenham. Roma is a strong team that is there by chance, and we expect a very tough commitment. We must be ready on the personality front. Ranieri is capable of pulling the environment together, he is a son of that city. “He will have the entire stadium backing him. We really need to be on top of our game.”

Against Venezia and Juventus, we saw a three-man defence. “The change in formation at Venezia was a necessity, but it was something I had anticipated. With Juventus, we were on the back foot; we needed to try something different. At this moment, we have more wing players who are excel in tactical plays rather than one-on-one confrontations. The team is gearing up for in-game changes of a certain nature. Throughout the week, we have been working to be competitive. “The rules of the game have lost their grip and what really makes the difference now are the key individual performances”. Moving on to Ranieri. “When you find yourself coaching at the pinnacle of success in Serie A at over 70 years old, it means that you’ve managed to remain mentally youthful. He possesses a wealth of experience even in the European field.” I’ve had the opportunity to dine with him on several occasions, he’s a man of extraordinary caliber.

Forced choices due to absences? Gallo was in an extraordinary state of form. He delivered an immense performance against Juventus. For us, it is a value we won’t be able to bring to the game against Roma. We must turn necessity into virtue. I have to allow the footballers to express themselves in the roles that suit them best. Here’s why the game system now counts for nothing. Our soccer players must also be good at interpreting change. “In these first two matches, we often changed tactics because this team has specific features I am trying to maximize. Now, systems don’t exist; there are only principles, and we must follow them.” What does he think of Berisha? “I like him, he’s elegant and he knows how to play. He’s growing, he’s a player that I like”.

Will Rebic be a Starter? “I’m considering it, just like I consider everything else. I have to make decisions; mine is a difficult profession. “Rebic has been flawless, I hold him dear. Besides him, I have many other players, towards whom I bear the same sentiment.” “Does he see him pairing with Krstovic? “When a player is generous, he can play alongside anyone. When you run and support each other, you can play with everyone. There are endless ways to play the game, there is no definitive winning or losing strategy. Krstovic and Rebic can play together, although either can also play individually. The game is an unpredictable dance, full of infinite possibilities and unexpected turns. This team is crafted with wings and supported by a forward, flanked by another. From game to game, arguments must be made, but without absolute truths. “My time horizon is tomorrow.”