As Serie A action resumes following the international break, Genoa manager Alberto Gilardino addressed the media to preview his side’s upcoming match against Bologna. The former Italian striker struck a defiant tone, emphasizing his belief in the squad despite recent struggles and a growing injury list.
Gilardino began by praising the work ethic of the players who remained with the club during the break. “With the players I had available these two weeks, between those with national teams and those here, it has been weeks of excellent work and attitude from the boys. Excellent sacrifice, both mental and physical. These were the requests from me and the staff, and I emphasized this to the players.”
However, the manager also outlined a lengthy list of injuries hampering squad selection. “Gollini, Bani, De Winter, Vitinha, Ekuban, Messias and Malinovskyi will not be available. Badelj and Frendrup are to be evaluated.”
On a more positive note, Gilardino confirmed new signing Gaston Pereiro will be in the squad, though not ready to start. “Gaston arrived this week, he’s not ready to play from the beginning and it will take time to get him in the best condition, to integrate him into the team context. I’ll bring him to the bench and if I can, I’ll use him.”
Addressing recent media speculation and criticism, Gilardino shared a poignant metaphor: “I read a phrase that struck me, it said that ‘Great sailors have always known how to use storms, because storms make the sails swell.’ In storms, those who know how to use them will be able to determine outcomes. I have always been proud of this team and to coach Genoa, and I am now, I was in the great seasons and even more so today. I am proud of a fanbase that is close to us, all of this makes me proud. I was struck by what I received a few days ago at the training ground, an affection for the team that is not taken for granted and must be transformed on the field.”
The manager expressed appreciation for recent supportive comments from club president Alberto Zangrillo while reaffirming his commitment to the project. “The president’s words are pleasing, those from a director, he is president I am even happier. I know that these moments are experienced within a season, I don’t move and I don’t want to move from this reality, we must be conscious and work within it.”
Gilardino acknowledged the team’s poor run of form but maintained unwavering belief in his players. “Do I believe the team has the strength to pull itself out of this moment? I believe it, I believe in my boys, I believe in this team as I believed in the promotion year and the great season in Serie A. I believe in this team, beyond the objective difficulties I am convinced that we will play a match like true griffins, regardless of what happens but I know we will do it.”
Looking ahead to a congested fixture list, with 5 matches in 18 days, Gilardino provided updates on potential returnees. “Who can I recover? I will evaluate Badelj, tomorrow more no than yes, I hope to have Frendrup already tomorrow. During the week I think between Messias and Ekuban to have news. Bani? Mattia will also be evaluated next week, for the others it’s still long.”
Turning his attention to opponents Bologna, Gilardino praised their strong start to the season. “It’s a team we all know. Compared to last season they have changed their technical guide, they are more concrete, less possession but more vertical. It’s a team that is doing very well, playing in the Champions League, built for that. We know Bologna’s strength, but we have worked and want to play a match worthy of Genoa.”
The manager also addressed the team’s tendency to fade after conceding goals. “It will be fundamental that it doesn’t happen again, I talked to the team yesterday about this aspect, we must not let ourselves be taken where others want. We must stay in the game, have clarity, whatever situation may happen we must stay in the match. Then we will have to try to have a higher center of gravity, put Pinamonti and whoever plays next to him in a position to do more.”
Gilardino concluded with words of support for Andrea Pinamonti, backing the striker to overcome his current difficulties. “I wanted Pinamonti, I know his qualities, he may have difficulties at this time that reflect the team’s moment, I was a striker and I know these things. He must continue to work and work for the team.”
