Bari Football Club is currently grappling with disappointing results after suffering consecutive defeats, first against Pisa and then at home against Sudtirol. Coach Moreno Longo is taking responsibility for the team's lackluster performance, which he attributes to their inability to adapt to the demands of the matches.
The recent match against Sudtirol was particularly troubling, as Bari displayed almost no quality or capability on the field, failing to register any shots on target. Longo lamented the team's struggle to build coherent plays and noted, "Una brutta sconfitta - della quale mi assumo la responsabilità. Si è entrati in campo facendo fatica ad adattarci alla partita che sapevamo come sarebbe stata," emphasizing the need for players to adapt to the physical nature of the game.
Longo expressed his discontent, stating, "Dobbiamo imparare a fare questo tipo di partite. Perché in B ce ne sono tante. Altrimenti faremo fatica." This indicates his recognition of the challenging nature of the Serie B games and the pressing need for his players to step up their game.
Although the season began with promising performances, the recent trend shows substantial stagnation. Longo's critique pointed out the absence of fighting spirit and the inability to win the physical duels, which he believes are intrinsic to overcoming opponents at this level. "Non siamo in un grande momento. Bisogna restare uniti, fare quadrato," he stated, urging the team to maintain unity during this challenging phase.
Looking back, the coach remarked, "Dovevamo invertire il trend negativo," reflecting on the necessity for the team to reverse their recent slump. Longo also noted, "Il gol del Sudtirol poteva arrivare anche prima," pointing out how the defense struggled to keep the visitors at bay, leaving them vulnerable to conceding goals late.
With upcoming matches against Palermo and Spezia, Longo has called for immediate improvements. His assessment of the team's performative drop was stark: "Sono preoccupato - chiude Longo - perché arriviamo al finale un po’ in picchiata, sotto l’aspetto generale." These sentiments underline the urgency for Bari to reclaim their form before the winter transfer window opens.
The players are transitioning through rigorous preparation as they recover from these setbacks. Following the defeat to Sudtirol, those who started the match were allocated lighter workouts focusing on recovery, utilizing the gym and physiotherapy. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad engaged in high-intensity metabolic training sessions aimed at enhancing their technical skills.
Coming off two disappointing losses, it’s clear the club’s morale has dipped, and the upcoming matches will be pivotal for regaining not just points but also confidence. The team had shown potential earlier this season; whether they can return to form remains to be seen. Longo’s commitment is evident, and the players now carry the burden of proving they can live up to his expectations.
Fans hope for a turnaround as Bari seeks to navigate through this rough patch and emerge stronger from their current struggles. Longo’s leadership and the resilience of the players will be tested as they confront the challenges offered by the remaining fixtures before the holiday break.
