Following Empoli’s crucial victory against Como, manager Roberto D’Aversa addressed the media in a post-match press conference at the Castellani Arena. The Italian coach expressed satisfaction with the result while also highlighting areas for improvement.
D’Aversa began by acknowledging the significance of the match: “As I said yesterday, it would be an important game against a direct competitor. We cared about it for our fans, and now it’s right to celebrate.” However, he was quick to add a note of caution, stating, “The performance, especially in the second half, must teach us that we need to improve and be more concrete.”
The manager praised striker Pietro Pellegri’s contribution to the team’s success. “He is a complete player,” D’Aversa remarked. “We need to be good and lucky to avoid those problems he has faced in the past. He put in a great performance.” The coach emphasized the importance of squad depth, adding, “It’s important to be able to count on multiple players with such closely scheduled matches.”
When asked about the team’s improved performance after halftime, D’Aversa revealed his halftime message to the players: “This team has always shown that they concede little. At halftime, I only asked them for courage.” He elaborated on the adjustments made, saying, “In the first half, we made some wrong choices. In the second half, they came out more convinced.”
D’Aversa’s comments reflect a balanced approach, celebrating the victory while maintaining focus on continuous improvement. The win against Como not only boosted Empoli’s position in the league but also demonstrated the team’s ability to respond positively to their manager’s guidance.
