SPAL coach Luigi Di Biagio was warned by patron Walter Mattioli but assures he ‘won’t be running away’ and wants to ‘be part of the reconstruction’ in Ferrara.
Di Biagio has lost six and won just one of his eight games in charge, after having replaced Leonardo Semplici in February.
SPAL sit rock-bottom in Serie A, 11 points away from safety with only six matches remaining, starting with a tough game against Inter in Ferrara tomorrow.
SPAL coach Luigi Di Biagio was warned by patron Walter Mattioli but assures he ‘won’t be running away’ and wants to ‘be part of the reconstruction’ in Ferrara.
Di Biagio has lost six and won just one of his eight games in charge, after having replaced Leonardo Semplici in February.
SPAL sit rock-bottom in Serie A, 11 points away from safety with only six matches remaining, starting with a tough game against Inter in Ferrara tomorrow.
The 49-year-old said he agreed with what the Biancazzurri patron said in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.
“The President can and must express his dissent. I share his though that we can play better,” Di Biagio said at a press conference. “We must have the spirit to try to fight until the end.
“The talks of me staying lasted up until two days ago, then things can change. The President has depicted our moment well.
“My team are not playing well, I’m sorry because the teams I have coached have always played good football. Like we did during my first games here.
“I will fight until the end to stay, start again, do well and rebuild together. I’m fully focused on the match against Inter. We must at least try to not finish last and have our dignity until the end. We have no other targets at the moment.”
Di Biagio insisted he doesn’t feel betrayed by anyone in Ferrara.
“Absolutely not. The lads are doing their best in training. During the games, they are afraid, and I don’t know why.
“Since we returned after the lockdown, bot for tiredness and the distance from the fourth place, I think they lacked the certainties we had before. In this moment, we must have the strength to react immediately.
“We don’t have time and we can’t end the season in this way. We must respect the city and the fans.”
And the former Italy Under-21 coach has claimed he never thought about stepping down.
“I will be the last to leave this sports centre. I will stay until the last game of the championship. Beyon any result we will get. We can do more, and I have to do more.
“I have responsibilities but here they started from the beginning of the year. Don’t expect me to run away, it’s not something I do.”
Di Biagio claimed he is ‘tired’ of talking and wants to ‘send a message to the fans’ through their performances in the remaining six matches.
“We must give the message to the fans on the pitch. I’m tired of saying something positive to the fans.
“We have to speak less and step up some more. That’s not something we have done in the last few games.
“I’m sorry because I perceived a great relationship with clubs, supporters and cities. I would be sorry not to continue here.
“My hope is to do well in these last six games because I want to be part of the reconstruction of SPAL. We have all the preconditions to be able of doing well.”