Palermo backed Roberto De Zerbi despite seven straight defeats and the Coach wants “belief” in the Coppa Italia against Spezia.
It kicks off at the Stadio Barbera on Wednesday at 14.00 GMT and the winners go on to face Napoli in the Fifth Round.
“I told the players that they have become too accustomed to losing in recent seasons. Tomorrow’s game has to be faced like every official match, knowing we can win,” said De Zerbi in today’s Press conference.
Palermo backed Roberto De Zerbi despite seven straight defeats and the Coach wants “belief” in the Coppa Italia against Spezia.
It kicks off at the Stadio Barbera on Wednesday at 14.00 GMT and the winners go on to face Napoli in the Fifth Round.
“I told the players that they have become too accustomed to losing in recent seasons. Tomorrow’s game has to be faced like every official match, knowing we can win,” said De Zerbi in today’s Press conference.
“We must remember what it’s like to win, so for me it’s worth the same as in Serie A. We wear the jersey of Palermo, we must respect and honour it in any official match.
“Even if we had won the last seven in Serie A, we’d still be playing to win tomorrow. I see no differences compared to the Lazio game.
“After Sunday’s defeat I told everyone they have to take on their share of the responsibility. It’s too easy to blame the President, the Coach or the club environment.
“The Coppa Italia has thrown up a few surprises for Palermo in recent years, so it’s up to us to avoid them.”
Many expected De Zerbi to get the sack after a club record seven consecutive Serie A defeats, but instead President Maurizio Zamparini backed his Coach.
“When I say that I am not afraid of being sacked, it’s because that is not what keeps me up at night. I don’t sleep because of these defeats, because I can’t get the team to play the way I want to.
“When results do not follow the sacrifices you make, it’s not a pleasant situation. I never thought about taking a step back, but I will for economic reasons if needs be. I’ve never considered money the most important thing, nor will I do so at Palermo. I was the first Coach here who didn’t want a long contract, because I want to earn my place.
“I don’t like losing and I am not used to it, so I don’t want to get used to it. I never expected all these injuries, nor seven straight defeats. We didn’t deserve all of these losses.
“I can’t be the one who always has to light a spark and get the players motivated. They first and foremost need to react. We must believe that we are no better and no worse than any other team.”