Andrea Sottil was in analytical mode following the 1-1 stalemate at home to Empoli to kick off 2023.
“We really should’ve been more aware for the goal given the ability and quality that we have” explained the coach. “We reacted well and I thought it was a great performance. We had 21 efforts on goal, eight corners to one and 69% possession, which means there was only one team out there. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win. I can’t fault the players. I’d like to congratulate them on what they did out there. We deserved to win. This is certainly the path forward. Empoli weren’t in the game apart from the odd counter-attack and unfortunately, that’s how they scored their goal.”
The boss also explained his decisions during the game, particularly regarding substitutions. “[Destiny] Udogie and [Rodrigo] Becao were limited in terms of playing time given their long injuries, while [Roberto] Pereyra came into the game after a bout of the flu. I must say they all put themselves at my disposal even more than they need to and turned in a great performance. I felt that Beto got tired. [Isaac] Success is a player who gets us up the pitch, which is why I kept him on. Beto remains our striker.
“The Empoli forwards are very pacey,” continued Sottil, “so I opted to go for a trio of the quickest players that I have and I feel they did well.”
The final word was a spot of praise for the players. “I’m not at all worried. I get worried when my players don’t create or have the wrong attitude. We played our game and deserved to win tonight.”