Following their home victory against Grasshopper – their second of the season – FC Lugano are preparing for their away fixture in Winterthur. On Sunday at 4.30 pm, the bianconeri will take to the pitch at the Schützenwiese against the Rossobianchi, who sit bottom of the table and are still without a win. For Mattia Croci-Torti, last week’s victory was crucial: “Last week’s win against Grasshopper was absolutely vital. We needed three points to regain our confidence and composure: this week there’s been a different, more positive atmosphere. It was a hard-fought victory, achieved by gritting our teeth, and it’s precisely victories like these that boost morale.”
The bianconeri manager has called for maximum focus against an opponent who always try to start strongly at home: “We know what it means to play at the Schützenwiese. When Winterthur find themselves in trouble, they rely even more on their home support, and the first thirty minutes are always very intense. We’ll need to be ready right from the start.”
Analysing the team’s current form, Croci-Torti highlighted the progress made in defence: “In recent matches we’ve conceded fewer goals. After a difficult start, we’ve worked hard on our defence and the team has responded well. In attack, creating chances has never been a problem, but we needed to regain solidity at the back. This is the right path.”
Martim Marques also spoke at the press conference, confirming his confidence in his personal development: “Over the past two years in Lugano, I’ve improved a great deal thanks to the work of the team and the coaching staff. Playing at the Schützenwiese is never easy, but we’ve prepared well and we want to win.” The Portuguese player then spoke about his role models: “Nuno Mendes is a role model for me. He’s unstoppable in one-on-one situations, plays fearlessly and his style is similar to mine. Watching him is an inspiration to improve.”
Finally, Croci-Torti took a realistic view of the match’s importance: “I said a week ago that these two matches, against Grasshopper and Winterthur, could give us a true measure of our league form. I’m convinced the lads will turn up with the same energy as in recent weeks: I see a very focused team. It won’t be easy, but we can build on our recent form.”
The kick-off is scheduled for Sunday at 4.30 pm at the Schützenwiese.
INJURY
UPDATE Ahmed Kendouci has resumed partial training with the squad and is continuing his recovery.
Kelvin and Steffen are continuing their respective individual rehabilitation programmes, with the aim of returning to the squad in the coming weeks. Bottani has suffered a tendon injury to his right adductor. Recovery times will be assessed based on how his rehabilitation progresses.