Di Francesco: “Not good enough – we’ll work on the mental side of things”

Eusebio Di Francesco admitted that his side had not been at the level required after they were beaten 4-1 by Sassuolo at Mapei Stadium on Sunday night.

“We started well, but we went missing after they made it 1-0 and couldn’t deal with Berardi,” said the Doria coach, speaking after the game. “It was an absurd performance. I’m worried because we fell apart after the first goal. The team is failing to deal with problems and that’s not good enough. We’ll work on the mental side of things.”

Di Francesco pinpointed his side’s defence as the area of the team requiring the most improvement.

“We need to look at the defence in the transfer market,” he said. “We focus on forwards a lot but we have issues at the back. After everything we did in the first 25 minutes, it’s ridiculous to be three goals down after three shots on goal. We talk about playing systems, but if you lose the duels and lack determination these things will happen.”

The coach also addressed rumours over the future of the club.

“I want clarity because it’s vital that we know where we’re going, so that we can start working,” he said.