«To those who think that I don’t want to save the club this season, I want to say one thing from the heart, no one invests a million euros in three months without deeply believing in this project and without wanting to fight to the end for salvation»: President Justin Davis intervenes from Australia, via social media, to put an end to the harsh and ferocious criticisms that have fallen on the team, the new coach Alessandro Parisi and above all on the club after the defeat in Gela. Which follows the draw with Sancataldese and the defeat in Palermo against Athletic. Results that certainly demonstrate the difficult moment that Messina is experiencing on the pitch, after the long run-up. But which in the blink of an eye seems to have called into question, perhaps too prematurely, the entire Racing City Group project. Which certainly still shows shortcomings from some points of view (for example, the organizational chart is awaited to have clarity on who does what, internally and externally) but gave a twist under others. First of all on the newfound economic stability. And it’s not a small thing. Paradoxically today, when things are better in terms of corporate balance and prospects, the results have failed. We must therefore react, looking for solutions rather than dwelling too much on what has gone wrong for a month now (the latest victory is the home win against Igea Virtus).
It is a phase of strong transition, it is evident. Ownership changed, officially just over a month ago, although many seem to have already forgotten. The sporting director has changed, with the arrival of Luca Evangelisti, although there are more hands on the market and on the current staff: because some elements such as Pedicone arrived under the management of the predecessor Giovanni Martello, others are profiles wanted by the ownership such as the Argentine Juan Kaprof or the young Massimo Papallo, then there are the choices of the former Ternana. The coach changed just a few days ago with the separation from Pippo Romano and the decision to move forward with Alessandro Parisi: a courageous decision, which some already judge to be wrong after four training sessions and one match. The formation has changed, several players and the way of being on the pitch (now more offensive with the 3-4-3). Changes that must be assimilated and transferred to the field. It would take time but there isn’t any.
What shouldn’t and shouldn’t change is the attitude, the spirit, of a team that still has to feel like they’re in a hurry and fight for every ball to make a goal that seemed impossible at the start of the season a reality. Today the priority must be to stay in the wake of safety, thinking about the next three matches against Acireale, Paternò and Enna as real playout duels. «From day one we were clear – added Davis -, permanence is the absolute goal. We started with a -14, a mountain to climb, but we never backed down. We will continue to fight, to push, to make sacrifices. We don’t promise miracles but commitment, presence and battle until the last minute. Football thrives on passion, comparison and also criticism. But without unity you can’t get far. Only by walking together can we grow, suffer and truly dream again”.