Cagliari faced a setback in their recent match against Torino, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. Coach Claudio Ranieri expressed concern over the team’s tendency to start slowly, emphasizing that they cannot consistently rely on needing a wake-up call to mount comebacks. Despite a commendable effort to rally back, goals from Duvan Zapata and Samuele Ricci left Cagliari trailing 2-0 by halftime. Ranieri pointed out that inexplicable defensive errors, particularly by Polish defender Mateusz Wieteska, have been a recurring issue that the team needs to address.
Ranieri acknowledged the emotional impact of the tribute to club icon Gigi Riva before kick-off, suggesting that it may have affected the players. However, he stressed that such emotional moments should not be an excuse for the team’s slow starts. Cagliari’s resilience was noted by Ranieri, but he emphasized the need to work on fundamental defensive issues to secure their position in Serie A.
Struggling Defense and the Need for Remedial Action
The defensive lapses in the Torino match, particularly highlighted by Wieteska’s mistakes on both goals, raised concerns about the team’s overall defensive capabilities. Ranieri candidly admitted that these issues are “congenital” and require focused efforts to rectify. The coach acknowledged that mistakes in Serie A are costly, and the team must address these defensive vulnerabilities to avoid paying the price.
While praising the team’s fighting spirit and determination, Ranieri emphasized the urgency of working on defensive fundamentals. The coach acknowledged that mistakes, especially in Serie A, demand accountability and swift corrective action. The team’s commitment to fighting until the end was acknowledged, but Ranieri stressed the importance of shoring up the defense to ensure consistent competitiveness in the league.
Impact of Gigi Riva Tribute and Overcoming Slow Starts
The emotional tribute to club icon Gigi Riva before the Torino match was acknowledged by Ranieri as a factor that may have affected the players. However, the coach was quick to assert that emotional moments should not be an excuse for the team’s slow starts. Drawing parallels to previous matches, Ranieri highlighted the team’s need to concede a goal before finding their rhythm, a pattern that needs to be addressed.
While expressing gratitude for the team’s never-give-up attitude, Ranieri emphasized that relying on comebacks is not a sustainable strategy. The coach signaled a commitment to overcoming these challenges and called for a proactive approach to matches, ensuring that Cagliari starts on a stronger footing. The impact of emotional tributes and the team’s response to slow starts emerged as focal points for Ranieri, indicating areas that require attention and improvement.
