Giampaolo: “We must foster a Samp mentality to continue building”

Marco Giampaolo’s thoughts were firmly on the future after Samp slumped to a 3-1 defeat to SPAL on the last day of Serie A 2017/18.

“Improvement doesn’t come from the transfer market, but through developing a mentality and a sense of belonging,” said the Doria coach after the final whistle. “It’s never good to lose because it knocks your mentality and that’s the most important thing.”

Giampaolo admitted that Samp had been below par at the Stadio Mazza.

“There were a few things I wasn’t happy about,” he said. “It was a scrappy game and things took a turn for the worse for us after just two minutes. I would have taken 54 points at the start of the season, but the way things have turned out since the Sassuolo game has been disappointing.”

The coach – who also revealed he pulled a muscle reacting to that early SPAL penalty – also spoke of his future ambitions with Sampdoria.

“I’ll meet the president in the middle of next week,” he said. “I hope to continue working at Sampdoria. I have a responsibility never to betray the confidence of the club and the fans – I’m still very ambitious. You have to repay respect in kind and never betray somebody’s faith in you.”