Verona’s head coach Paolo Zanetti addressed the media in a pre-match press conference ahead of their crucial Serie A clash against Atalanta at the Bentegodi stadium. The manager emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on their objectives and praised his team’s unity in the face of challenges.
Zanetti emphasized the team’s need to remain focused on their primary goal. “We remain concentrated on the objective,” he stated, highlighting the team’s unified approach. “The guys are behaving like a team, and this is the antidote to the problems.” He acknowledged the difficulty of their upcoming schedule but stressed the importance of a game-by-game mentality. “We must think game by game with the right mentality, that we can compete with everyone and bring home points. We must believe it, notwithstanding the strength of our opponents.”
With injuries impacting the midfield, Zanetti hinted at the possibility of seeing Bernede and Niasse together. “At midfield, there may be the possibility of seeing the new guys together. Tomorrow will require a lot of running and specific players.” He described Niasse as someone who can “give us a hand,” and expressed intrigue about Bernede, saying, “Bernede is yet to be discovered, and he has shown me what he’s made of in training.” Zanetti also noted the potential of Oyegoke and Valentini, emphasizing the need to integrate them effectively.
When asked about the club’s transfer activity, Zanetti avoided direct judgment. “I don’t know how to give a judgment; I know the potential that the club has made available to me. In the end, we will take stock, but now we think about making this team perform at its best.” He highlighted the need to help the new players adapt quickly. “They must have time, even if there is little. It also depends on the guys who are already there, who must integrate them quickly, and us as staff, help them understand what we want.” Describing Bernede as an offensive midfielder with good technique, Zanetti also praised Niasse as “a physical player of balance who filters between midfield and defense and counters a lot, with a mentality of a certain type and a certain experience.”
Zanetti expressed faith in the youth players, particularly Cisse. “Cisse trains with us and is growing, trying to improve his shortcomings; he has great talent and has the future on his side.” Emphasizing the team’s collective challenge, Zanetti stated, “Here, we must perform a feat, a word used by our DS from day one. It has been like this from the beginning, and the market is in line with this word and our possibilities.” He stressed the importance of focusing on the present and striving for success with the existing squad. “We think about today, with our players, and aim to win our scudetto, safety on the 38th matchday.”
Regarding the possibility of losing Tchatchoua, Zanetti dismissed the concerns. “I have no warning signs; I think we will be these until the end.”
When asked about Belahyane’s departure, Zanetti stated, “I am sad for the players lost due to suspension and injury. Not for Reda, who had an important opportunity. I thank him for what he gave all of January, even at Monza, despite being at the center of the market.”
