Roberto Donadoni has outlined Parma’s ‘day to day’ focus and determined that they will need to work in order to maintain their League position.
Roberto Donadoni has outlined Parma’s ‘day to day’ focus and determined that they will need to work in order to maintain their League position.
The Ducali extended their club record unbeaten run in Serie A in Week 26 with a 1-0 win at Sassuolo, to keep hold of sixth spot in the table, which may prove enough for Europa League qualification.
Even so, their Coach is not getting carried away by a prospect spoken of by the likes of their President, or talk of a return for the club to their glory days of the past.
“I do not know if we have returned to being great, we are making our way, every game is complicated and you have to earn everything on the field, whilst we know that it is not easy,” Donadoni has explained today on Radio Anch’Io Sport.
“There are still many points to play for and we will try to do the best we can to maintain this position until the end.
“Can we make Europe? We are going day by day, there are always three points up for grabs and these three points can allow for a huge jump in the standings.
“We do not talk about Europe for good luck and because we know that it is very difficult, and we are looking ahead only game by game.
“Here they are demanding. For example, yesterday our fans were many, but a few weeks ago against Catania they expected lots of goals against the bottom side and when we did not win, they booed, and rightly so.
“We have a group of guys here that is hard to find, there is a strong core. For example, Alessandro Lucarelli is no longer a kid but the example he provides and the commitment that he puts in is important and affects the others.”
Next week is an intriguing clash with Hellas Verona at the Tardini.
“It is a stage of our journey, we play against a team that is on the same number of points as us and we have a game in hand.
“It is nice to get to this stage of the season and compete with another squad that is having a great campaign, and I do not say this to look ahead.
“The game next Sunday will not affect the outcome of the season for Parma or Verona.”
Parma have two players in Cesare Prandelli’s squad to face Spain this week.
“Paletta and Parolo have proved with their work on the field that they deserve the call, just like Cassano and Mirante, I do not mean to suggest that they are putting themselves out on display this season.
“Paletta is not inferior to anyone and can play with all the players in the international squad.
“The code of ethics? It is there and it must be applied. I do not agree with those preach good and bad according to the conveniences of what they and their players do.
“Otherwise, when Balotelli does something wrong, we all jump on him, then everything is normal again after a week. We must help the players to grow.”
Donadoni has faced speculation over his future and if it involves a move away from Parma.
“I try to be myself, I do not want to teach anything to anyone but I try to pass on my experiences and everything else for me is a great effort.
“Interest from abroad? Currently no, but I hope that through the work it may happen.
“Milan? No-one can afford to say no to the big teams, but I also want to make the most of this.”