Mattia Croci-Torti enjoys the success against Zurich with the knowledge that they beat one of the most complete and intense teams in the league. "Zurich has quality, physicality and a different leg than the others. All their matches are decided on the details, and today we were good right there: in the details," the HCL coach commented after the 1-0 win in Cornaredo. "We conceded more possession than usual, but we remained focused, solid and organized. The only regret is not closing the game earlier, because there were two or three situations for 2-0."
The technician's satisfaction is evident especially with the defensive performance, which is also worth the first "clean sheet" in several weeks. "It's been a long time since we finished a game without conceding a goal, and this gives confidence and awareness to our work. Today there wasn't a worst player on the field, but above all there wasn't one who didn't work for the team. Everyone was on the ball, everyone was focused."
Croci-Torti then explained some of the formation choices, starting with the return of Dos Santos from the first minute: "I knew that their center-backs are not very fast, and we needed more depth and speed. Dos Santos was coming from a positive but stat-less period: now two goals and two assists have come in four games, and that gives him confidence."
Spotlight also on Bislimi, who was slightly set back in the role to balance the team: "When I put him further back he loses some incisiveness, but today he worked hard in the tactical phase, closing down passing lines and staying sharp until the end. Against such an intense opponent it was not easy."
The coach also wanted to emphasize the growth of Zanotti, the protagonist of the play that led to the decisive goal: "Mattia played an almost perfect defensive game. If he can also use his left foot more he can really make an important career. But his drive on the flank had been lacking for us and today it all showed."
Words of praise also for Alioski, deployed low on the left: "The first 25 minutes were as an experienced player, from what we wanted when we got him in the summer. He was focused and alert defensively as well: together with Zanotti he limited their outside players exceptionally well."
On the final Croci-Torti commented on the exit of Behrens, who was forced to leave the field due to a blow to the nose: "He took a bad knock, but his presence was crucial in the loose balls. Without him and with Brecher coming up in the box we were outnumbered, but we defended with character and von Ballmoos made two decisive saves that handed us the victory."
Finally, the look already at the next challenge: "On Saturday we go to Geneva, against a struggling Servette but still a strong team. We haven't won there for so many years: it would be an important signal to succeed. The car has started, the foot is on the accelerator: now we must have the courage not to take it off."