Fabio Cannavaro was happy with his team’s 2-0 win over Lecce on Monday evening.
“Playing after your close rivals can be an advantage, but yesterday’s results upped the pressure on us. The lads were very tense in the first 15-20 minutes. Lecce got off to a good start. Their players were calm because they’d already guaranteed their spot in Serie A next season. We had to fight for it and then we showed who we are. That’s how these games go. Motivation made the difference today.
“There were situations where we gave it a shot, and I’m also happy that those who were subbed on gave their all. Those are the types of things I like. I’m demanding. Since I’ve been here, there have been times in which I could see the lads were scared and we’ve sometimes made mistakes we don’t understand. That cost us dearly against Roma. Even today, there was a back pass that could’ve cost us. I’m working on getting the boys to think a bit more.
“Today we won a battle. The next will be even more difficult. We’ll be up against Davide Nicola’s Empoli, a team and a coach that have played so many of these types of games. We shouldn’t think it’s a given because we’re playing at home. Our last game will be at Frosinone. Since I’ve been here, I’ve only experienced these tense situations so we need to stay calm and focused in these matches. We’ve got to leave our fear at the door and know that we have some important resources and players that are regaining their confidence.
“Since I’ve been here, the most difficult thing has been player management. A lot of them are coming back from injury and I have to manage their playing time. Today I had two or three players at their limit, who were putting in an amazing shift. We can’t give up now.
“I don’t know if it’s crazy to use players who’ve only just got back on the pitch, but I know I need everyone. I’ve had coaches that focused on their players and players that tried to motivate everyone else. In this job you’re lucky you can give a chance to someone who’s doing well in training. One player will play one time, and the next it might be another. It’s a risk, but if the lads deserve it then it’s right to do it.
“Even though Lecce knew they were safe, they still showed up. They didn’t want to lose in front of their fans. It’s always nice coming back here. The stadium is always packed. If you go home with a good result, it’s even better.”