Montella hungry for victory: “Encouraging signs but now we need to beat Palermo”

Vincenzo Montella says the time is ripe for Sampdoria to start winning matches again after seeing positives in his team’s recent outings.

Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, he urged his charges to step up their game as Sunday’s match against Palermo could mark an important turning point in Doria’s season.

“There have been some encouraging signs in the last few matches but we have to be on top of our game from the first minute to the last,” the coach told journalists. “We’re more compact and more careful. Now we need to win.”

The boss also called on his players to show their desire, aware that – more than tactics or fitness levels – it’s often the mental aspect that makes the difference in football.

“The lads need to be hungry for success,” he stressed.

Montella went on to warn of the threat posed by Palermo. “They’re a well-drilled outfit and dangerous on the counter. We can’t afford to let our concentration slip or let the pressure of our current league position get to us.”

The coach also provided a brief update on the situation in the treatment room.

“It’s unlikely Barreto, Eder or Silvestre will make it for tomorrow.”

See more of what Montella had to say in our subtitled video below.