It was a very bad week for Lecce. The Salento team, latest arrivals in the Serie A, are struggling to find any consistency and now find themselves in a very delicate moment. With only five points from eight games and three consecutive defeats, including a humiliating 0-6 loss at home to Fiorentina, the pressure is mounting.
Coach Luca Gotti spoke at a press conference yesterday, trying to offer some hope and clarity amidst the chaos. “It was a very bad week for everyone. When sensational events happen in a negative period, everyone talks to clarify, but the recipe is that of the facts: you have to match the words with the facts. A team that must save itself has a journey of 38 games and must find solidarity, this is the first step at the moment.”
Gotti acknowledged the players’ mistakes against Fiorentina, saying, “Last week had been beautiful, we had trained very well and with intensity, it was a sign of something else. The first 20 minutes were in the same direction as the week, then it took very little for everything to disappear. In the match we looked for balances that didn’t exist, I wanted a more dangerous team in the attacking phase and we had two-three chances in the first 20 minutes, but at the same time we showed little solidity, we can’t lose one-two-three players too easily. This put the midfield in difficulty.”
Gotti also hinted at some changes ahead of the next match against Verona, “Yes, especially the half-and-half situations. I have no doubts about those who are doing very well, no risks should be sought on those that are uncertain.” When asked about potential changes to the lineup, Gotti remained cryptic, “I can’t say who is more ready, we’ll probably see both solutions because I don’t know if the boys have 90 minutes left in their legs. The pitch will respond.” As for the hot topic of Banda, Gotti expressed positive sentiments, “I found him good, but I didn’t want to overload him also because after Napoli there will only be one training session towards Verona. His path seems to me to be a positive one.”
As Lecce looks to regroup and rejuvenate, the task ahead seems daunting. With seven more defeats, the team is in danger of being cut off from the pack and relegated to Serie B. Gotti’s words will need to be matched with action if the team is to have any hope of turning their season around.
