Parma coach Roberto D’Aversa has regrets after they ‘gave goals away so cheaply’ in the 3-1 defeat to 10-man Milan. ‘We were too timid in the first half.’
The Ducali were beaten at the Stadio Tardini by Ante Rebic and Franck Kessie goals, then Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw red for dissent on the hour mark.
Riccardo Gagliolo got one back, only for Rafael Leao to add the Rossoneri’s third in stoppages on the counter.
Parma coach Roberto D’Aversa has regrets after they ‘gave goals away so cheaply’ in the 3-1 defeat to 10-man Milan. ‘We were too timid in the first half.’
The Ducali were beaten at the Stadio Tardini by Ante Rebic and Franck Kessie goals, then Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw red for dissent on the hour mark.
Riccardo Gagliolo got one back, only for Rafael Leao to add the Rossoneri’s third in stoppages on the counter.
“We didn’t do enough when against 10 men. We had also compromised the game in the first half, as we were too timid and hesitant against a great team, but one that had just dropped points with Sampdoria. That showed they struggle when put under pressure and we just weren’t aggressive enough,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“The red card gave us a way back in, but we did the damage in the first half. I replaced Gervinho at the break, but there were many players who were below par and had a slow tempo in the first half.
“We came out with a different attitude after the break, but we could’ve done better. We conceded those two goals far too easily and a team trying to save itself from the drop cannot afford to give away goals so cheaply.
“It was a lack of determination and character, that’s what was unacceptable. We were too timid, didn’t run off the ball, didn’t provide options.
“The second half was better, but not just because we were against 10 men, as the attitude was different from the first minute of the half.
“Milan gave us a ‘gift’ as it were with the red card, but I didn’t have attacking options to take off the bench and shake things up.”
Parma are on just 20 points from 30 Serie A games, in penultimate place, and it’s looking increasingly as if only one from Torino, Cagliari and Parma will stay up.
“I can only talk about the period I’ve been here this season, but we have improved in terms of performance and fitness levels. The main problem now is that we continue to concede too many goals and too cheaply.
“We have more possession and more shots on goal now, but compared to past seasons, opponents find it much easier to get goals against us. That’s what has changed.
“I mean, we lost this game 3-1, not 2-1, because of another really silly error in stoppages.”