Verona manager Paolo Zanetti spoke to the press ahead of his team’s crucial match against Roma, addressing the difficulties his side has faced in recent weeks and the team’s efforts to overcome them.
When asked about how the team is approaching their current problems, Zanetti said, “When you feel inadequate, you also need to look at what you’ve achieved. If we had 0 points, there would be little to say, but if we’ve managed to collect something, we need to start from there. Problems must be solved with a team attitude because there are no individuals capable of solving our problems. We don’t have superstars, but we don’t have poor players either. Perhaps in this period we haven’t been enough of a team.”
Zanetti emphasized the reality of Verona’s situation, stating, “We are aware that we must reach the last matchday safe, then if something more comes, all the better. This is Verona’s reality. Last year at this point, Hellas had one point less, then they saved themselves well with the same coach who is now among the best in Italy. Championships are long, there are different moments, we need to face problems head-on and be aware that we need to work to deserve this shirt because what we have is a great opportunity that we must seize.”
Regarding team discussions, Zanetti confirmed, “Yes, we always have discussions whether we win or lose, and they are tough discussions. Not violent, because violence should never be used, but we always speak to each other as men, with great frankness. My goal is to always field the team that is mentally and physically most ready to face the obstacle, always taking responsibility for what I do.”
He added, “Whoever is more of a team and has steadier nerves manages to overcome these moments and then reach the end. In this trio of games, the performance against Monza was good, in Bergamo it was a disaster, then in Lecce there was a partial reaction, not the one I wanted. We had a reaction of fear, carrying fear both with and without the ball. Our discussion went in this direction.”
