Pippo Inzaghi admits Salernitana ‘cannot gift these kinds of goals’ after the 2-1 defeat to Bologna, as fans launch a protest against the coach, players and club.
This result leaves them rock bottom of the table with only one victory all season, earned against Lazio, and the first half performance in particular infuriated the supporters.
Joshua Zirkzee was twice sent clear by frankly suicidal defending, including a disastrous Matteo Lovato back-pass, and the fightback with the Nwankwo Simy goal was too little, too late.
“A team that is trying to escape relegation cannot gift these kinds of goals,” said Inzaghi in his press conference.
“The players reacted in the second half and we showed real heart. If Pol Lirola’s chance had gone in for 2-2, we’d be talking about different things, even if for 60 minutes admittedly we did not deserve anything from the game.
“The club and the fans do not deserve this and I don’t even feel like talking, because there is no justification. We should use Simy as a positive example, as he was left out of the squad and kept working to prove himself.”
Bologna were furious that Alexis Saelemaekers was repeatedly fouled, including a Boulaye Dia kick in the first half that perhaps warranted more than just a yellow card.
“I am the first who is responsible for this performance. Bologna deserved to win, but we threatened to equalise late on with Pirola,” added Inzaghi.
“I am the coach and I must be able to turn things around. I’ve been here for seven matches and I am convinced we will do it.
“If I thought any players did not believe in our chances, I wouldn’t pick them. I see how they work in training every day. I think we can secure Serie A safety, but if we play the way we did the last two games, then it’s going to be really tough.”
Salernitana were already in bad shape when Paulo Sousa was sacked to bring in Inzaghi, though things have barely improved.
“In my career, I always had difficult moments, I have to keep working and keep going. I can only apologise to the club and fans, because we know they deserve more. I knew that I was inheriting a difficult situation, but I believe.”
There are even suggestions that President Danilo Iervolino could consider another change of coach so soon after appointing Inzaghi.
“I spoke to the President, but it’s not good to make decisions in the heat of the moment. I am the first person who wants to get out of this situation and I never expected to see a performance like that. I must try to find the key.”