Roberto De Zerbi admits Sassuolo were nowhere near their best against Crotone today, but ‘still won 4-1 and that shows a step forward in terms of mentality.’
The Neroverdi weren’t anywhere near as commanding as usual in terms of possession or scoring opportunities, but were absolutely clinical to crush Crotone 4-1 with Domenico Berardi, Manuel Locatelli and a Ciccio Caputo brace.
Roberto De Zerbi admits Sassuolo were nowhere near their best against Crotone today, but ‘still won 4-1 and that shows a step forward in terms of mentality.’
The Neroverdi weren’t anywhere near as commanding as usual in terms of possession or scoring opportunities, but were absolutely clinical to crush Crotone 4-1 with Domenico Berardi, Manuel Locatelli and a Ciccio Caputo brace.
“There are some days when we’re not sharp and everything isn’t quite done well. We were sluggish physically, made a lot of mistakes and it was a step back from previous performances, and yet we won 4-1.
“That shows we have made a step forward in terms of mentality, because people talk about Scudetto contenders who know how to win ugly even when they are not at their best, so this is progress for a club like Sassuolo. I congratulated my players for that.”
There’s progress for Crotone too, as the newly-promoted club do not hold back and try to defend, with the same true of Benevento and Spezia.
“I would like to see all teams try to control possession and I think that is the trend now, so we shouldn’t be surprised that Crotone cause us problems on our own turf. It’s positive that everyone is more attacking and pro-active.”
De Zerbi has said his tactical heroes are Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa, so admitted he is recording the upcoming Premier League clash between Manchester City and Leeds United today.
“Guardiola is more mechanised in his movements and has a specific approach, whereas Bielsa is more improvisational and allows his players to make the right decisions in those moments of the match.
“Bielsa also has extraordinary courage to go into the Premier League and keep going with that attitude, those movements and positions. It’s a rare thing.”