Feralpisalò-Triestina prematch
On the eve of the final training session and the subsequent departure ahead of Sunday’s match at Stadio Turina in Salò, with kick-off at 17:30, Pep Clotet addressed the press to preview the game.
Clotet
"The incident in the last match is a closed chapter. The club has said what needed to be said, and I’ve done the same. I won’t comment on the suspension, though I know the club is working to have it reduced, considering precedents in the past that led to similar reductions. What matters most to me is that the team has finally understood the situation we’re in—a very difficult position where everyone must give their utmost to overcome it, avoiding anything that could favor our opponents.
This week has possibly been the best in training since I arrived here. That incident and the days that followed have brought the group closer, helping them understand the situation and my position, which has been clear from the start. It’s a life-or-death battle to achieve survival. We must do everything possible for Triestina, making decisions on the pitch that help us and avoiding anything that could hinder us. We’re in an extremely critical situation, and from now until January, we need to collect as many points as possible. Then in January, the team and the club must make decisive moves.
Since my arrival, the group’s attitude and mentality have steadily improved, and now the team need to show this on the pitch, starting on Sunday against a strong opponent, by bringing that extra edge needed to earn points. The team will have to handle a very tough schedule starting the day after tomorrow and continuing over the coming weeks. The situation is challenging, and we have to face it. We can’t afford anything that undermines our ability to collect points and fight for the badge—whether it’s those on the field or those working daily for this club. Every day at work has to be approached with the mindset that it’s for the survival of Triestina. That’s how I see it, and the day I don’t see this anymore would render my efforts meaningless.
I’ve been here for three weeks and am fully aware of the situation. I’m giving my all to achieve survival, and I expect the same from everyone connected to this club, both on and off the pitch. This is no longer the time for mistakes. The goal is to secure as many points as possible and be ready for a crucial phase in the second half of the season. At that point, the club must take action with a clear program and logic, and I’ll need to ensure this is implemented. I had a very productive and positive 90-minute discussion with the president on Sunday evening. We shared our visions; I conveyed my thoughts on what helps and what doesn’t in this situation.
For January, I’ve prepared a detailed list of everything that could help us escape this difficult scenario and fight for survival—a daunting task that will take time. I’ve conducted a thorough analysis of what I’ve observed since my arrival, noting that the team has always put their heart into it and probably deserved more than what they’ve achieved. Still, for various reasons, the results haven’t come. I’ve asked the club to establish a program, and work is ongoing in this regard. I need structure and the right decisions because we can’t afford to make mistakes. Familiarity with this division is vital, and among the five key points I’ve prepared, having players with deep knowledge of Serie C is undoubtedly one of them.
On squad conditions: Frare will likely need a couple more weeks. Fortunately, it wasn’t as serious as it initially seemed, but it’s still a muscular issue requiring time to heal. Germano, thankfully, resumed training midweek and completed the full session today. We’ll evaluate him tomorrow during the final training. Olivieri is close to resolving his calf issue, and we’ll assess him until the very last moment. If possible, I’ll include him in the squad, as he’s an important attacking option for us. Voca suffered a severe bout of flu but rejoined the group today, though he’s not at full capacity yet. Bianconi remains a doubt due to a muscular issue—something that, with proper physical preparation from the start of the season, might have been avoided. This is the situation we face, and while it complicates matters further, it must serve as extra motivation for the team to give even more, come together, and head to Salò with an even stronger mentality.
We’re closely monitoring the Primavera squad, which, in fact, was the first team I observed upon arriving here. We’re keeping an eye on Kokora, as well as all players we can develop internally, such as Baricchio, who has already been training with us for some time. He could join the main squad for training sessions, and we’ll evaluate what contribution he can make. However, given our current situation, we believe he still needs a bit more time.
On the attacking setup and specifically Vertainen: I generally prefer him to play alongside another forward. For Sunday, we’ll decide whether he will be our sole reference point or have one or even two players alongside him. Regardless, I won’t stray too far from what we’ve worked on so far.
Who will be on the bench in my place? Berto Llado, who holds a UEFA Pro license in Spain and a UEFA A license internationally, will take charge. He’ll be supported by Gianluigi Ghia and Francesco Benussi, who has significant experience both as a player and on the bench. I have complete confidence in them. This will be an opportunity to further strengthen the team spirit, and I have no doubt the entire group will give even more to support them.”
