Mental reset, greater cynicism and a clear change in attitude. Mister Longo doesn’t mince words on the eve of the derby at Cosenza’s home and entrusts a clear message to the pre-match conference: Crotone must change pace, immediately.
«We arrive at this derby with one certainty: we must reset many of the beliefs developed in the preparatory period and accept, in a clear and real way, the need to be more concrete and more cynical. This team has highlighted a structural and mental limit: not so much in losing matches, but in not being able to bring them to at least a draw. Many of the defeats suffered could have been managed differently in the final minutes, maintaining greater concentration and competitive determination.”
Work week and internal rules
A concept also reiterated by analyzing the work done during the week. «Some internal rules have changed, because it is clear that no one is satisfied at the moment. We want to do something different, be more compact and more practical.”
From a physical point of view the situation is positive: no one is unavailable. Novella has arrived and is available, while Cargnelutti, despite Catania’s interest, will be regularly called up. «The market must not be an alibi: whoever is here is paid by Crotone and must give his best for Crotone. The interests are also the result of the showcase that this company offers, but as true professionals we always take the field with the same responsibility. Fortunately tomorrow evening we will have everyone available.”
Spirit of revenge and continuity
The type of team that Longo expects to see at the “Marulla” is also clear. «I expect a Crotone like the one seen in Salerno and Benevento: a team that, beyond the tactical organization, puts into play that spirit of revenge that has characterized it for a good part of the championship. My anger comes precisely from the belief that this group can do more and better, regardless of everything.”
Against a Cosenza team that has put all their opponents in difficulty at home, a very high level of motivation will be needed. «Words count for nothing, you need facts. We have to go there, perform, be an organized but also a bad, angry team, with the desire to react to a moment in which we are suffering in many respects. The revenge must be witnessed on the field, demonstrating that we want to change course.”
The crux remains continuity. «The only way is to go back to being the Crotone seen in many matches this season, but with greater continuity over the 90 minutes. The difficulties encountered are often linked to the inability to maintain an advantage or stay in the game at key moments.”
The closure is entrusted to a significant piece of data. «We are the third defense in the championship and it is illogical to lose so many games. This means we need to get better at managing, at maintaining what we build. We need more continuity in competitive wickedness throughout the race. This is probably the aspect that we have missed so far.”