Alessandro Nesta, the head coach of Monza, conveyed his thoughts during a pre-match press conference before the team's highly anticipated clash against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Nesta's insights were shared with Sky Sport and DAZN, where he discussed his strategic approach for the match and emphasized the mental preparation necessary for his players.
Nesta highlighted the importance of maintaining balance during the game, stating, "Dobbiamo fare un calcio equilibrato, non offensivo, senza mai perdere le distanze. Con la Roma ce la giochiamo, cercando di restare in partita per tanto tempo e provare poi a fare un gol." This reflects his philosophy of playing with restraint rather than recklessness, recognizing the challenges posed by Roma's strong lineup.
When discussing the mental aspect of the game, Nesta acknowledged the pressure his squad is under, particularly as they navigate their current position on the Serie A table. He remarked, "La pesantezza mentale grava sulla squadra. La grande difficoltà è motivare l’ambiente, una volta fatto, ci giochiamo le nostre carte," illustrating his concern over the psychological burden hindering his players’ performance on the field.
Returning to the Olimpico, where he once played as part of the home squad, Nesta expressed excitement and nostalgia for his first match as Monza's manager there. "Io sono carico, sono tornato a casa mia. La salvezza è difficile, perché abbiamo avuto tanti problemi, ma io ci credo," he stated, showcasing his commitment to turning around the team's fortunes.
One of the key players making headlines is Keita Balde, who has recently joined the squad. Nesta explained Keita's current situation, mentioning, "È arrivato in ritardo e ha bisogno un po’ di lavorare. L’altra settimana l’abbiamo messo per 20 minuti. Piano piano vediamo che tipo di risposte darà." Balde's integration is seen as significant for Monza’s attacking capabilities as the team looks to take advantage of opportunities presented during the match.
With regards to Roma's vulnerabilities, Nesta indicated his players must approach the game carefully, particularly when it came to exploiting transitional moments. He stated, "Sappiamo che non ci dobbiamo abbassare troppo perché hanno giocatori forti. Dobbiamo avere quella capacità di far correre la difesa all’indietro," emphasizing the need to maintain pressure without overextending defensively.
Alessandro Nesta's comments reflect both his tactical acumen and personal investment as he leads his team against Roma. With the match set to kick off, Monza will need to rally both physically and mentally to secure a result and boost their hopes of survival this season.