Montella after Carpi loss: “We have to look at the table realistically”

Sampdoria coach Vincenzo Montella has commented on his team’s under-par performance in this afternoon’s loss to Carpi, which broke a string of encouraging showings stretching back to before the new year.

“The team can and must do better,” declared Montella to Samp TV after the game. “We cannot sit on our laurels after receiving a few compliments. We need to work hard.

“We were sloppy and there was no continuity in our game. This defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. Nevertheless, if we’re intelligent we can use the game as experience and build on it.

“Now we need to look at the league table realistically.”

The Aeroplanino also revealed his frustration at the numerous chances his players wasted in front of goal: “It’s a shame about the result because we had lots of opportunities and we weren’t able to convert them. That is a big disappointment.

“As for our opponents, I really admire Carpi’s spirit: there’s great togetherness in their team.”

Finally, Montella highlighted the three main issues from today’s game: Sampdoria’s defence, the pitch and refereeing decisions.

“We can’t seem to get any continuity at the back, partly because we haven’t been able to work with all the players at the same time.

“It’s true that the pitch surface wasn’t perfect, but you have to deal with that. As for refereeing decisions, we accept them but Eder should have had a penalty.”

You can hear more from Montella in the video below.