The first leg with Trastevere ended 0-0. But a draw in the return match is not something Olbia can do. “Tomorrow’s match will be a fundamental one”, underlines coach Zé Maria, presenting the challenge of the 25th day of the Serie D championship, scheduled at the “Nespoli” at 2:30 pm (referee Gianluca Cipriano from Turin).
"We analyzed the opponent, they have strong points and weak points, but we are playing at home, in front of our fans, and we are obliged to win. We haven't done it for too long, and it's not good: to get out of a still critical situation, reduce the gap to those ahead of us and extend our lead over those behind us, we need 3 points" , adds the coach of the whites, entangled in the fight to avoid relegation with 24 points (8 less than Trastevere) and 4 away from direct salvation.
“Of the last 10 games, in which we need to get at least 18 points to reach the fateful 42 points, we have 6 at home, and at home we need to be the masters, but we also need to improve away from home”. Also because it is precisely the external trend that penalizes the Gallura team. “We are in the playouts, but the term alone bothers me. From the way we are expressing ourselves, we do not deserve this position in the standings : even on Sunday with Paganese we lost because of two shots on goal, on the first one Di Chiara made a great save, while the other one went through”, explains Zé Maria again.
“We worked a lot this week on finishing and crosses. We are doing well in the defensive phase and in building the game, less so in finishing: we need to be more aggressive in front of goal. The team has grown, as have the individuals”, continues the Olbia coach, mentioning Pani, Maspero and Rizzo. “The boys are aware of their potential. They have improved in terms of personality and technically, but as I always say to them, I don’t have a defined team: it’s the players, with their work, who have to put me in difficulty”.
Speaking of difficulties, Olbia hasn't won in almost a month. But Zé Maria doesn't feel the bench shaking. Not more than other times. "You're at risk every time you don't win, even if the team plays well. I have a contract until June, with no automatic renewal clauses in the event of salvation, but like every coach I always have my suitcase packed," he says. As for the unavailable, in addition to Marie-Sainte, who will serve the last of five days of disqualification tomorrow, Biancu will miss the match. "He's back training with the rest of the group, he could start playing again from the next match," comments Zé Maria. Finally, Costanzo. "Even if his ankle is still bothering him, he'll play," announces the coach.
