Davide Nicola explains his approach to inspire Salernitana in a 2-2 draw with Milan, what he told Franck Ribery and performing another miracle escape from relegation. ‘I am here because I want to believe.’
He is the third coach of the season to take charge at the Stadio Arechi and known for his miracles to keep Crotone and Genoa in the top flight.
On the strength of this performance, he can have hope of repeating it, because Salernitana had a 2-1 lead over Milan thanks to Federico Bonazzoli’s acrobatic over-head kick and a Milan Djuric diving header.
It could’ve been 3-1, because Alessio Romagnoli made a goal-line clearance to prevent Bonazzoli scoring with an outrageous rabona following another Mike Maignan howler.
However, after the early Junior Messias strike, Ante Rebic drilled in to wrong-foot Luigi Sepe for 2-2.
Serie A | Salernitana 2-2 Milan: Leaders scrape a point at rock bottom Salerno
“There were many things I liked about this performance, especially as I only arrived here four days ago and knew we couldn’t be perfect,” Nicola told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am glad because we faced a great team, not just in their quality, but their spirit and organisation. We took the responsibility of a high press and it worked well. I liked the ability to apply some of the principles we worked on in the last four days.
“We are not frightened by hard work. If we achieve something great, it will be for these fans. You could see the incredible enthusiasm from the outside, but from inside it sweeps you along.”
Nicola achieved miracles to keep Crotone and Genoa in Serie A, both in more difficult situations than Salernitana, which is why he was brought in to replace Stefano Colantuono.
Franck Ribery was constantly asking Nicola for advice and his work-rate ended up giving him a calf injury.
“I like to talk to the team before the game and say anything can happen. If everyone doesn’t have this attitude, then it’s difficult to achieve something extraordinary.
“If a champion of Ribery’s level can perform like that, especially as we knew several players weren’t in their best shape. I said I don’t care how long you last, as long as you give your all during that time on the pitch. Ribery is someone who can really inspire the others with his character.”
Salernitana have two games in hand now, having won their appeals to replay the matches against Venezia and Udinese, which were called off due to a COVID outbreak in December and January.
“I am here because I want to believe. I accepted Salernitana because in my view there are people here with good ideas and values. I am glad to come here for this President, I am proud and pleased to work with director of sport Walter Sabatini, who can teach me so much.
“I want to try something different, to bring a mentality more suited to my ideas rather than me always having to adapt to others.”
Nicola was asked why he had this reputation as the man who performs miracles and how he inspires his teams so quickly?
“I don’t know, you’d have to ask them! I don’t tend to make many speeches, I just try to bring ideas that I believe can be helpful. This team’s position means they have only one way of feeling alive, and that is to be aggressive, positive and attacking.”
A minute of madness in Serie A! 😅
Rafael Leao wanted a penalty for Milan, before Salernitana head down the other end and score!
Federico Bonazzoli converts with an overhead kick after some wild goalkeeping! 🚲 pic.twitter.com/1oyYf60TMw
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 19, 2022