Atletico Tricase has officially appointed Antonio Toma as their new head coach, bringing new hope to the team as they navigate a challenging season. The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from both the club and its supporters, who view Toma's experience as pivotal to turning their fortunes around.
“I felt honored to be approached by the president of Atletico Tricase to take over the technical leadership of the first team of such a city as Tricase,” Toma stated, reflecting on his appointment. His words echoed the excitement and promise he felt from the beginning. He noted the determination expressed by President Antonio Brigante, whose passion for building a strong team was evident during their conversations.
President Brigante, who took over leadership from Alfredo Stefanelli, expressed gratitude to Toma for choosing to invest his future with the club. “We must thank Mister Toma for betting on us. Those who know Salento football are well aware of the value of our new coach and the prestige of his career. His ability to develop players and his past successes convinced us he was the right choice at this delicate moment of our season,” Brigante emphasized.
The change in coaching staff came after challenging times for Atletico Tricase, where the team found itself struggling at the bottom of the promotion league, facing relegation concerns. Following their defeat to Sava and the previous coach’s resignation, the club recognized the need for urgent action to revive their season.
Totò Cazzato, the club’s director and admirer of Toma, also pointed out the importance of this new appointment. “His leadership and personal qualities are going to be fundamental for the team. He needs the support of everyone—society and fans alike—because together, we can still succeed,” Cazzato said, highlighting the collective effort required for success.
Toma is not new to the challenges of coaching; his experience encompasses various roles, having worked under renowned coach Antonio Conte as his assistant at Pisa and at Atalanta. He has previously held head coaching positions at clubs such as Gallipoli, Matino, and Galatina, and now, he aims to channel those experiences to uplift Atletico Tricase.
Speaking about his coaching strategy, Toma outlined his multifaceted approach: “My skills range from training and athletic improvement to scouting and technical assessments, along with consulting for the growth of the club. I felt the trust of the environment right away and I am honored to coach Tricase, a team I have dreamt of leading for years. The red and blue fans deserve Serie D, but we must work step by step,” he affirmed, showing his long-term vision for the club.
Fans are hopeful, rallying behind the restructured team as they anticipate significant improvements under Toma's guidance. His return to the coaching scene is greeted as not just another job but as fulfilling his aspiration of coaching at the level he admires most.
Brigante concluded the press conference with a motivational call to the supporters: “Now everyone must do their part. Alè, Tricase!” This rallying cry seeks to unify the players, management, and fans alike in their fight to restore the team’s pride and position within the league.
With Toma at the helm, Atletico Tricase looks to shift their current narrative and begin to accumulate points to escape the perilous relegation zone. His coaching philosophy, commitment to player development, and established connections within the football community create cautious optimism moving forward.