Zeman: ‘Critics know nothing’

Zdenek Zeman praised Parma star Antonio Cassano, but told reporters they “know nothing about football.”

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Zemanlandia has its bad points as well as good, which Cagliari fans are learning after back-to-back defeats to Fiorentina and Chievo.

“They were two different games,” argued the Coach. “We played well with Fiorentina, but against Chievo we just got completely the wrong approach.

Zdenek Zeman praised Parma star Antonio Cassano, but told reporters they “know nothing about football.”

It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

Zemanlandia has its bad points as well as good, which Cagliari fans are learning after back-to-back defeats to Fiorentina and Chievo.

“They were two different games,” argued the Coach. “We played well with Fiorentina, but against Chievo we just got completely the wrong approach.

“We want to make up for it at the Tardini, but it won’t be easy. Parma always played decent games even when losing, apart from their 7-0 defeat to Juventus.

“Cassano is an important player who has always made the difference. Few people have Antonio’s quality in Italy. He hasn’t fulfilled his potential throughout his career, as he never quite settled into all his teams.”

Victor Ibarbo is suspended, while Marco Sau and Simone Colombi are injured, so some reshuffling is required.

“It could be Longo’s moment in attack, we’ll see. We all need a different attitude to the one against Chievo. We must not underestimate our opponents.”

Inevitably after two points from five rounds, Zeman’s position on the Cagliari bench is up for debate.

“I know football and a lot depends on results, but I believe in this project and so does the club. As far as I’m concerned, the team always played well except for against Chievo, when there was a psychological block.

“I just have to thank the fans who always come to support us and never to protest.”

Cagliari dropped into the relegation zone, but Zeman was not impressed when asked if this was an early dogfight.

“Anyone who says that clearly knows nothing about football,” he grimaced. “It’s far too early to talk about this, as so many things could change from here to the end of the season.

“We need to be more ambitious, as you can’t just make do in Serie A. We must find the right motivation against big or small clubs.”

Cagliari squad for Parma: Carboni, Cragno, Avelar, Balzano, Benedetti, Capuano, Ceppitelli, Murru, Pisano, Rossettini, Barella, Capello, Conti, Crisetig, Dessena, Donsah, Ekdal, Joao Pedro, Caio Rangel, Cossu, Farias, Longo