Eusebio Di Francesco is not ‘angry’ Cagliari missed out on Radja Nainggolan and explains what Adam Ounas brings to the side.
The coach discussed a flurry of summer transfer activity after he took charge, although there were some moves that didn’t go through.
“I am not angry that Nainggolan didn’t arrive, there were various situations that caused it,” Di Francesco told Radiolina.
Eusebio Di Francesco is not ‘angry’ Cagliari missed out on Radja Nainggolan and explains what Adam Ounas brings to the side.
The coach discussed a flurry of summer transfer activity after he took charge, although there were some moves that didn’t go through.
“I am not angry that Nainggolan didn’t arrive, there were various situations that caused it,” Di Francesco told Radiolina.
“We must not look back, but forward with confidence. It’s an extra-large squad I have many players at my disposal and we need to make sure everyone gets their fair share.
“The break for international duty was very helpful, as it allowed me to work closer with certain players like Filip Bradaric and Luca Ceppitelli. I asked them to make it difficult for me to choose my starting XI by raising their game in training.
“Balance is important, then when we get more confident and pick up points, we can use a more attacking approach.
“The crucial element is for everyone to sacrifice themselves in helping the defence, that is what the players must understand.”
It’s reported Ounas could be given his debut from the start against Torino this weekend after his transfer from Napoli.
“We are working on 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, the two systems I will try to alternate. Ounas has unique characteristics within the squad, as he’s good at taking men on, can provide assists and increased the technical quality, which had been lacking otherwise.
“He needs to reach full fitness, though, as does Leonardo Pavoletti. Zito Luvumbo is only 18 years old, doesn’t speak Italian or English, only Portuguese, so it’s going to take a while to get him fully settled.
“I haven’t included him in the squad yet due to transfer paperwork issues, but we are evaluating him for the next game. He has quality, but is more accustomed to playing for himself than with others.”