New Salernitana coach Stefano Colantuono reveals his half-time team talk after the 4-2 defeat to Empoli and admits their results ‘will depend’ on Franck Ribery’s performances.

Serie A | Salernitana 2-4 Empoli: Nightmare Colantuono debut

It was something of a nightmare debut after replacing sacked Fabrizio Castori, as they were 1-0 down at the Stadio Arechi within 90 seconds.

It was downhill from there, trailing 4-0 at half-time, although they did stage a spirited comeback after the break for an eventual 4-2 result.

“We were in an emergency situation, so forced to go back to a three-man defence. We were 3-0 down within 12 minutes, so it was not easy to get back on track at that point,” Colantuono told DAZN.

“We also conceded the fourth from the penalty spot, but the team played well in the second half.”

What did the coach do to transform their mood so visibly during the half-time team talk?

“I didn’t say much, I just suggested we pretend the game was starting 45 minutes late. We rather lost our heads there, but reacted and tried something different after the break. We can build on that.”

Ribery also stepped up several gears for the second half and represents a huge element of Salernitana’s hopes this season.

“Ribery is on another level. Talking about him is superfluous, he put in a great performance. We’re holding on tight, as our results will depend a great deal on his performances.”

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