The grey-red coach Giovanni Stroppa spoke at a conference from the press room of the “Giovanni Arvedi” Sports Center on the eve of Parma-Cremonese, a match valid for the 37th matchday of Serie B 2023-24 (kick-off at 3pm). Here are his statements.
Tomorrow a team that has just won Serie A will challenge…
“Many compliments must be paid to Parma, who had an extraordinary championship. Congratulations to Pecchia and the club for the work done, they were the strongest.”
Parma will try to play the game to celebrate in front of their fans…
“These situations lighten up and allow you to express yourself even better. We absolutely don’t expect an easy match, especially from a mental point of view. We will find a fierce team as always.”
Which Cremonese will be there at defensive level?
“Unfortunately we can’t risk Ravanelli, I hope to have him back for Cittadella. We tried something behind it, tomorrow we’ll see if we can choose the most ready ones.”
Could there be Marrone’s debut from the 1st minute in defence?
“Yes, it could be a solution. As well as Sernicola or Ghiglione among the three defenders.”
Did the victory against Pisa restore character and confidence?
“Yes, it served like bread. The performance was of a high standard, we must congratulate those who hadn’t played for a long time, those who took over and those who reacted to the results of the last period. The victory gave us the opportunity to clear the somewhat limping path and must give us energy and strength to face this new path. We put aside the first of three finals, now we need two to have an advantage in the playoffs.”
Was the choice to focus on the “old guard” against Pisa calculated?
“There is nothing accidental, it is a deliberate and thought-out choice with many facets: personality, leadership and management of game moments. It had to go like this and I’m happy that the three points arrived, confirming the validity of the squad. The kids have grown, the bar has been raised and the resources I will have at my disposal in these races are increasing.”
In the last period Sernicola and Zanimacchia have seemed to decline. What do you think?
“It may be that they have lost their luster, but I prefer to make a general statement. The path taken by the team entailed an expenditure of energy and psychology that may have made everyone pay something. This is why fresh energy is needed, especially in certain roles. We are thinking about this and will try to recover in the best possible way all the weapons we may have available.”
Would an extra left-footed winger have been useful on the flanks?
“With hindsight it is possible to do anything, but the championship of Zanimacchia, Sernicola, Ghiglione and Quagliata is extraordinary. I focused more continuously on someone and tried to alternate in different situations. There is no regret in this sense.”
Can we talk about the objective of third place or is it better to focus on protecting fourth?
“Our objective must be motivational: I said that there are two finals left and we want to win as much as possible, and then do the calculations at the end. We’ll see what the playoff path will be.”
Cremonese often builds from the bottom. Doesn’t this strategy risk exposing you to too many risks in the event of strong pressure from your opponents, as happened against Pisa?
“The Pisa goal came from a management error, not a construction error: there was frenzy. Football is going in a very specific direction, because it allows you to touch the ball in the area with the defenders, create superiority with the goalkeeper… We are talking about a change in technical management and a strategy to cut off the opponents. It doesn’t mean having to be conditioned and force the play, on the contrary it must be a further strategy: against Sudtirol, for example, the goal disallowed in Coda was born from a long pass by Jungdal for Zanimacchia to respond to the opponent’s aggression”.
The top part of the ranking is well leveled. Who do you think is the most surprising coach in the league?
“I don’t think there are any surprises. Vivarini gave a strong identity to Catanzaro and came from a long journey, you know Pecchia well. Fabregas at Como has given continuity to the path born with Longo. I believe that all the teams that are at the top have an important pool of players and coaches, precious ingredients for having a strong identity and obtaining results.”
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Parma-Cremonese: those called up
There are 25 Grigiorossi called up for the match at the “Tardini” against Parma scheduled for Sunday 5 May at 3pm
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Giovanni Stroppa: “The victory against Pisa gave us strength and fresh energy”
Mister Giovanni Stroppa’s pre-match conference on the eve of Parma-Cremonese, a match valid for the 37th matchday of Serie B
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Press review: May 4th
The press review for Saturday 4 May
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Gym and athletic work for the grey-reds
The training report for Friday 3 May
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Next opponent: Parma
Discovering Parma, Cremonese’s opponent on the 37th matchday of Serie B
