Reggina will resume training on Tuesday, while the path leading to direct promotion becomes increasingly uphill. Former Amaranth coach Bepi Pillon hopes for an eventual comeback: «In football, as in life, anything can happen. I believe that Reggina still has the possibility of reaching first place. However, a little thread will be needed to bring the two in front closer together. It won’t be easy, we know, but in sport there are never any shortages of surprises.”
Do you know anyone from the squad?
«I had Adejo and Barillà right in Reggio. They were boys, but you could already see that they had values. The company has built a competitive workforce and it’s a shame that the amaranths aren’t in the lead. The square is prestigious and seeing it relegated to Serie D makes me feel a certain sadness. I would add that it would be a joke to start again with the amateurs.”
In your opinion, where did he go wrong?
«The energy spent to move up the rankings proved to be decisive. There was a decline, perhaps unexpected. Reggina nibbled on several points, then suddenly stopped. The defeats against Vigor and Acireale were not needed. The Amaranths faced opponents who were inferior on paper, without taking any points. Even two draws would have been enough to keep hopes alive. When you take to the pitch without the necessary competitive malice, you risk falling and so it was for Torrisi’s eleven.”
What is your opinion on the coach?
“Positive. The numbers reward him. By the time he arrived, the rankings seemed compromised. He brought serenity back within the group, also developing a brilliant game.”
Are you referring to the module?
“Also. The 4-2-3-1 is the ideal formation for this team. Fofana provided substance in the middle of the pitch. I like Laaribi and Salandria. Barillà’s injury, the all-round leader, is taking its toll. The captain is also precious in front of goal. His incursions were missed. Regardless of the tactical system, the attitude counts. If you are focused you can beat anyone.”
What do you want to say to the fans?
«To stay close to the team. I understand their state of mind, but the season, I repeat, is not over. The Curva Sud is fantastic and I fondly remember the chants he dedicated to me.”
Do you think Nissa is the favorite for final success?
“Yes. The league leaders have an excellent chance of landing in Serie C. Savoia should not be underestimated, while I see Athletic Palermo in decline. I would be happy if he went to Reggina.”
Let’s talk about your years in Reggio: do you have any regrets?
«In 2009 I was not given the opportunity to finish the work. I only stayed for four games. If I hadn’t left, I’m convinced I would have managed to keep the category. I also thank Lillo Foti who called me back in the spring of 2013 to avoid relegation to Serie C. We were second to last and in the last eleven matches we achieved an incredible average which allowed us not to leave Serie B, even avoiding the playouts.”
Why didn’t he stay the following year too?
«It was decided not to continue. I have sweet memories of the city. We are excellent friends with Foti.”
Will we see her on the bench again?
«I think there is a time for everything. I live in Mogliano Veneto. If I find an interesting project, perhaps in the area, I might take it into consideration, otherwise I will dedicate myself to being a grandfather. I don’t intend to take long trips. There were some requests, I won’t deny it, but I didn’t feel like accepting them.”
