Genoa defender Mattia Bani says he and his teammates were confident they would perform well even after Rau Dragusin’s sale to Tottenham and praises coach Alberto Gilardino: ‘He’s very helpful.’
Newly promoted side Genoa have only lost one game since Dragusin moved to North London on a permanent €31m deal in the January transfer window and are 10 points above the relegation zone.
Bani released an interview with Friday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (page 29), partially explaining why Genoa haven’t been too affected by Dragusin’s sale.
“I was on good terms with him, even last season, but we were confident we would do well anyway,” explained the experienced defender.
“I think there is a good alchemy between the team and the staff. The coach was good last season when we needed somebody to give us tranquillity. When good results come, everything works. Hopefully, we will continue like this.”
The Rossoblu held Napoli to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Maradona last week and will host Udinese at the Stadio Ferraris tomorrow.
Gilardino was appointed by the Girfone in Serie B in December 2022 and helped the Rossoblu earn a Serie A promotion after just one season in the second division.
“The fact that Gilardino was a great football has helped,” said Bani.
“He puts himself in our shoes in many situations. The coach is like you see him from the outside; he is very helpful and always ready to help us.
“We want to reach the 40-point mark as soon as possible. Of course, finishing in the top 10 as a newly promoted side would be great. Hitting rock bottom two years ago, helped us this season,” concluded Bani.