“From a salvation to the last day you have to take the good and go in continuity“. It’s a clear thought from the former DS of Spezia Rocco Russowho explains as a man in the field exclusive to our microphones what are the cornerstones from which the Eagles can start again after a troubled year. D’Angelo on the bench, a good structure of the players already present and the right additions, for a team that would have deservedly played in the play-offs in the second round. And with the help of Picco everything is easier.
Director, the season is over. Is the promotion of Venezia the right epilogue?
Venezia may not have always played the best football, but they didn’t make mistakes in important matches. The coach’s hand was evident and he had a great championship. I think it’s deserved.
If we think that the last team to beat them was Spezia, salvation is even more precious…
It was certainly the most difficult match, but the team was coming off a series of positive performances both from a psychological and gaming perspective. After the change on the bench we saw a different spirit and in the last match, also thanks to the Picco fans, it went well. But already in the previous performances something had been missing in terms of points, which would have been deserved. And Pio Esposito’s goal smacks of redemption even more.
D’Angelo’s confirmation is the first mandatory piece.
The coach is there, the important thing is to start again with clear ideas: this is what was perhaps missing last year. A relegated team is not necessarily stronger than the others, I hope that the club has learned the lesson and made the most of the past year. It is not possible to think that a place like Spezia will have championships like this year. D’Angelo did well and deserved to be reconfirmed, but I’m always in favor of planning by learning the mistakes made and at least trying to get into the play-offs. B is the minimum category for a square like Spezia, but dreaming costs nothing. But clarity is needed, but I think the club has discussed it and in the meantime has made important investments in the stadium, demonstrating its presence. I’m sure he learned from what didn’t happen this year, but continuity is needed: this only exists if balance is found. Good managers are those who don’t get excited if things go well and manage the less good moments well. I’m convinced that last year was just a hiccup.
Is it also right to give continuity to the often contested technical area?
When things don’t go well, the finger must be pointed at someone, that’s okay. It seems to me that in January Macia and Melissano did an excellent job and we must also take into account that they had a complicated first part in Cesena, the work on the grandstand was late. Not a small thing. Managers must never feel satisfied or secure in their jobs, because results matter: Spezia is a demanding place and an important place for its history and for what it represents today. If the company decides to choose in this direction, continuity is welcome.
As a transfer man, how many additions do Spezia need to be competitive?
The comparison with the coach will tell a lot. Something will definitely be needed in attack, the difficulties were evident and the numbers speak for themselves. A nice mix between young people and experts is always the right choice, Kouda was a pleasant surprise, but in the meantime we will have to see what the budget available will be. For an important project you need the right assortment, starting from a good basis that exists today, finding the best opportunities on the market. Often, then, there are players who come from a difficult year but who can become resources in a certain context. Serie B is a long championship with tough pitches, something will need to change to achieve the objectives.
Have you had the opportunity to see the new Peak and what the covered Railway Curve will be like? What do you think?
I only enjoyed photos and videos, not live yet, but I will go soon with my son. I am above all intrigued by the new grandstand, in addition to the fact that I always willingly return to that stadium: we too wrote a part of history in those early 2000s. I am always in contact with many friends, fans, I always follow all the matches. Spezia is a square that gives a lot and demands a lot: if you enter it you will never leave again. We have done something extraordinary, the phrase from Paolino Ponzo that I received as a footballer speaks clearly: the La Spezia fan asks for the sweaty shirt and the honor of wearing it.
There is still a place missing for the next Serie B: Vicenza or Carrarese?
I am originally from Ariano Irpino, in the province of Avellino: the defeat of the Wolves affects me closely (laughs ed.). I think they were the superior team on paper, but that’s football. Vicenza is built for important goals, has spent a lot and hasn’t lost in a long time, while Carrarese is unpredictable and has nothing to lose, because if the Venetians were to win the predictions would be respected. But everything can always be reversed, see Lecco last year. It will be an open race, I say 60-40 for Vicenza, because it went back and forth. The field will speak.
