Giampaolo: “This experience will help us to improve”

Marco Giampaolo insisted that Samp would draw lessons from their friendly match against Manchester United in Dublin on Wednesday, despite his side slipping to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s men.

“When you play games like these you can’t help but improve,” the Doria boss told Samp TV after the final whistle. “We put in a good showing against a top side who are further ahead in their preparation. It’s just a shame we made that mistake at the end.”

Giampaolo had words of praise for Mourinho, with whom he shared a warm embrace before and after the game.
“He’s a legend, a leader, a great coach, a winner,” he said. “He’s from another level.”

The Blucerchiati manager – who was celebrating his 50th birthday – also provided an update on the imminent signings of Gian Marco Ferrari and Gaston Ramirez.

“We needed to add another defender to add to [Vasco] Regini and [Matias] Silvestre,” explained Giampaolo. “If Ramirez comes, it would be a quality signing. Samp is like a cooperative of players, with each player contributing a little part. The two new signings will improve the team – that’s how we develop.”