Heidenheim an der Brenz (Germania), 9 August 2025 - This is what Carlo Cuesta had to say following today’s friendly against FC Heidenheim 1846 at the Voith Arena in Heidenheim an der Brenz (Germany).
“The positive thing about this match is that I saw the team always looking for a way to create: they kept trying to find the goal until the very end. Certainly, that willingness and determination is one of the most positive things I’ve seen and is something we take away from the game. In the first half, there were moments when we managed to play in the opposition half and recover the ball high up the pitch. At other times, we lost a bit of ground and ended up playing closer to our own goal, with less possession. In the second half, we had more opportunities to stay in their half, and there were moments when we could have been dangerous.
“It’s true, we weren’t particularly threatening, but we’re in a process of growth and improvement, and we’ll keep working to raise our level as much as possible. The defence? I think it’s a collective issue. We wanted to press high to keep the play in the opposition half, but at times when we weren’t well-organised and struggled a bit at the back. We definitely need to work on our consistency and on what we want to show on the pitch, and we’re on that path.
“My pre-season assessment? I focus more on the overall picture. The first thing that comes to mind is the players’ willingness, which has been absolute. During this period, we’ve tried to introduce certain elements that will be very important for us.
“We also had moments when we had to make adjustments compared to the start. I repeat: we’re in an adaptation phase where we’re trying to express ourselves as best we can. Transfers? When the market is open, anything is possible. I focus on what I have, not on what might arrive. Reality counts: right now, it’s the squad I have, and I’m trying to get the best out of them. Defender or midfielder? We’ll see what happens. In the end, the transfer market is an industry where you can’t always do what you want. For now, I’m focused on the squad I’ve got.
“Coppa Italia? For me, every match is serious. Today was serious, the game against Pro Vercelli was serious. Every day is serious, and every game is serious. We played this match with the desire and will to win, and we’ll do the same in the Coppa Italia. Therefore, the way we work and prepare during the week will be serious, as always. We can’t wait to play at the Tardini with our fans behind us, and we want to put in a great performance and win. That desire is always there when we represent Parma.”
