Davide Nicola believes that the game was in Empoli’s hands at certain stages of Saturday evening’s 1-1 draw with Juventus, but believes that his squad will improve in the long run with consistency and strong moral values in training.
Roma-linked Tommaso Baldanzi provided the equaliser after 70 minutes, following a 50th minute opener from Dusan Vlahovic. Empoli may feel they could have come away with more from Saturday’s encounter, as Arkadiusz Milik had been dismissed after 18 minutes.
Empoli have picked up four points from two matches since Nicola’s appointment on January 15, including a statement 3-0 home victory against Monza last weekend.
The team still find themselves in the Serie A relegation zone, in 19th place after 22 matches, but have shown encouraging signs with their performances in recent weeks.
“Looking beyond Baldanzi, who has great quality but needs to get back up to full fitness, I am interested in the overall performance of the team, which in turn helps the players on an individual level,” Nicola told DAZN at full-time.
He continued: “We had two chances when it was 11v11. Things can change during the game, for us and for our opponents. Juve’s qualities are obvious, we shouldn’t have let them counter attack, but we shouldn’t have given up playing either.
“At a certain point the game was in our hands, we have to work a lot, but we are happy because at the moment, we are also picking up points.”
Nicola was also asked about the transfer speculation surrounding Baldanzi, who has been linked with a move to join Daniele De Rossi’s Roma.
“I’d like to hold on to every player, they are showing a sense of belonging and a desire to train. Baldanzi has so much quality, when everyone is at their best, we have far more options.”
Reporters also asked Nicola if there is anything specific he has done to reinvigorate the Empoli squad in such a short space of time.
“My job is to build an identity, two games is not enough but the boys are applying themselves. There’s a lot of work to be done.
“Moral values are put in place every training session. (It is) a close-knit group willing to improve. We want to achieve something difficult, but consistency in every training session can make the difference in the long run.”
Asked if there are any special powers he has when it comes to teams in a relegation fight, Nicola responded: “I have none. I analysed players’ qualities and chose a formation for them to perform at their best, then 8 days of hard work. I don’t know how to do anything else.”