Empoli manager Roberto D’Aversa addressed the media ahead of his team’s crucial home match against Como, emphasizing the significance of the encounter in the context of their Serie A campaign.
D’Aversa began by acknowledging the disparity in financial resources between the two clubs, but stressed that the current league standings make this a direct confrontation. “Tomorrow is an important match because we’re playing against a team that we can’t consider our equal in terms of investments, but the table at this moment says it’s a head-to-head clash,” he stated.
The Empoli boss highlighted the heightened importance of the result, saying, “The points are worth double and the margins for error must be minimal.” He called for his team to prioritize their desire for a positive outcome over their opponents’ efforts.
Reflecting on Empoli’s recent performances, D’Aversa noted, “Up until now, the performance has always been there. There’s a need, not an obligation, to bring home the full result.” He also mentioned Como’s recent heavy defeat, while pointing out that the match had been balanced until the final minutes.
When asked about Como’s qualities, D’Aversa praised their squad and investment strategy. “They have quality players. Already last year in Serie B, they made significant investments like Strefezza and Goldaniga, spending considerable money,” he explained. He described Como as a well-organized team that plays attractive football.
D’Aversa also had kind words for Como’s manager, Cesc Fabregas, stating, “Fabregas, given his career as a player, is one of those coaches who either become top-tier or get lost along the way. I consider him as one who can become top-tier; he’s already good.”
In conclusion, the Empoli manager emphasized the need to exploit Como’s weaknesses, saying, “They have many technically skilled players and use a lot of passing and possession. We need to be good at highlighting their defects.”
