Coach Kosta Runjaic addressed the media ahead of the match against Bologna on Monday. Here is what he had to say:
“Tomorrow we want to pick up points and, more generally, perform better than in recent matches. We know Bologna well, they are in good form and are sitting high in the table. We know what to expect, we’ve prepared well and are focused. In situations like this, tactical clarity is important, but it’s equally vital to stay calm despite negative results and not lose courage. We must go into the match with the right mindset. We are working hard and I’m convinced we’ll produce a strong performance in front of our fans, for whom we want to give everything.
“Unfortunately, [Lorenzo] Lucca and [Florian] Thauvin are still unavailable, although they are making slow progress. We’ll reassess Lucca’s condition tomorrow and, if the evaluation is positive, he could start reintegrating with the squad. Thauvin’s situation is more complex, and I can’t say exactly when he will return. We are really missing them both, as they have contributed 50% of our goals, but we know we can still create chances – regardless of the opponent – even without them. Tomorrow, we want to be more dangerous than in recent matches and will do everything to achieve that. [Keinan] Davis has returned, he is feeling good and even played more than expected in Turin. He’ll be available and could start the match. We’ll assess how ready he is during the final training session and make a decision together.
“Against Torino, we scored a goal that was disallowed by millimetres, and the same happened against Genoa, so we were missing a bit of luck. These are fine margins, but they are part of football. Davis brings danger in attack and gives us experience too, although injuries have limited him recently. We worked hard to get him back and he showed he was ready in Turin. Tomorrow he will have another opportunity. We have few attacking options at the moment, so Davis can make a big contribution. [Iker] Bravo is a good lad, talented with great potential, but he’s still very young and in his first season with the senior side. He’s played a lot this year, which is great for his development and he’ll certainly continue to improve, but he needs time. Davis, when fit, shows his quality: he can hold up the ball, has good movement and is strong in the air. We hope he’s ready to play and can put in a good performance.
“Our fans will give us the energy we need against Bologna and I’m optimistic. They are a complete team, strong when pressing and in possession. We started the season well against them and so far it has been a good campaign. Tomorrow marks a new chapter against the same opponent. We’re ready and the players know exactly how we want to play.
“In football, you must expect anything. We go into every match aiming to win, but in the last five we haven’t managed that, scoring only once. We’ve been unable to convert our chances and have conceded too many goals. We have discussed this with the players, and now the focus must be on staying focused, being clinical when opportunities arise and getting that slice of luck to go our way. We’ve also been punished by our own mistakes in possession, giving goals away, but that is in the past. I’m looking forward: tomorrow is a fresh opportunity. What matters most is our energy, the basics of football, giving 100%, pushing ourselves to the limit and being ready to fight. We must have the right spirit, be united and give that little bit extra to overcome Bologna.
“In my opinion, it’s not true that the players have given up or lost focus. Speaking about [Oumar] Solet specifically: it is his first season in Serie A and overall he has done very well, sometimes less so, but he knows that. It’s important to maintain tactical and mental clarity to continue learning and improving in training. He has great potential but still a lot to learn. In top-level sport, a player’s quality is shown through consistency and as a team we are working towards that. This season, we haven’t had it, as the results show. I’d never lost five consecutive matches before and it’s a new experience for me, but it’s also an opportunity to grow and learn. In difficult moments, you have to work hard and stay positive. When you come through them, you emerge stronger. Now it’s up to us to show tomorrow that we can do better in every area.
“[Thomas] Kristensen can play in both a back three and a back four. He hasn’t been consistent lately, but we are working on it. I demand a lot from him because he’s the prototype of the modern centre-back: quick, physical and good at reading the game. Players must learn from the past to improve in the future. I have total faith in all my players, including Kristensen.
“I cannot yet confirm who will captain the side – it depends on who plays.
“As for [Alexis] Sanchez, whether he plays or not will be decided tomorrow. As he posted on Instagram, the coach decides!
“I believe [Martin] Payero had a decent game in Turin. He is a very versatile player. In the past, he’s also played as a second striker. He’s strong, makes good runs into the box and could be used there again. We have some alternatives in mind and will make the final decision tomorrow. The important thing is that Payero is available. He has shown desire, quality and intensity in recent matches and we need that. I’m sure he’ll make an important contribution.”