Messina’s week has come to a head and, in a “Marullo” behind closed doors, they are working on schemes, tactics and set pieces, in view of their seasonal debut on Sunday, when they will face Messana Riviera in the first leg of the Coppa Italia di Eccellenza at the “Franco Scoglio”, which has been approved.
A challenge awaited by the fans, because it will be the first opportunity to see Messina on the pitch, but also by the Giallorossi, who will play the first 90 minutes after many training sessions between the retreat in Cascia and in the city.
«We are happy that the time has come to play. We have been working every day for a month and we will finally return to the stadium and play our first matches”, declared midfielder Oliver Kragl and it will also be an opportunity to check the general condition of the team: “We are at a good point, but obviously not at our best because we still need time – underlined the German midfielder -. We are learning the most important aspects and tactically we have understood what the coach is asking for. Now we have to put him on the field in the best way.”
Messina opens its season with the starter of the Italian Cup, but in any competition the objective always remains one: «This year the only thing that matters is winning, in every match. We must prove that we are the strongest team and bring Messina back to the top. We have a devastating group, there are many of us, but everyone will find space and time to play. We have to be a group and even when someone isn’t playing we must always remain united towards one goal.”
Team spirit will be fundamental, because the opponents will be fierce: «Everyone against us will always give something more. It’s a fact – added Kragl – but we must be good at making it clear, right from the start, what our strength is and bringing the games home. There are many strong players in the team, but even if we can look devastating in training, then only Sunday counts. We work all week, but in the match you have to play well and at the end of the season each player will take stock.”
Particular season especially for the midfielder born in 1990, who returned to the Giallorossi after three years and with a short experience, between January and May 2023 (salvation in Serie C), before the transfer to Trapani. An entire championship awaits him, to be won, but he has also found a completely renewed club situation: «I came back because I know the coach and the club wants to bring Messina back to where it deserves, for the city and for the fans. I embraced the project and now we must be the ones to bring people back to the stadium.”
