Collecchio, 12 March 2026 – This is what Carlos Cuesta had to say ahead of Parma’s clash away to Torino:
ROBERTO D’AVERSA’S TORINO
“We all need points, and we want to build some consistency. We know we’re doing a lot of things well, but we have to keep working with humility, with a willingness to make sacrifices, and with that sense of togetherness that helps a team achieve its goals. I’m expecting a very difficult game against a strong side. They changed their coach not long ago, which has brought a new dynamic. He’s a coach who made history here at Parma, and I’d like to congratulate him on what he achieved in the past and on the impact he’s had in his first couple of games. We have to focus on our own game, be aware of our strengths, and try to improve and develop certain aspects so we can take the match where we want it to go.
“I expect a direct and aggressive Torino side that will try to make things difficult for us. We’ll need to be good enough to control the game and guide it the way we want. Roberto D’Aversa? I briefly met him at an event at Coverciano during the Panchina d’Oro awards. We exchanged a few words and he struck me as very polite, nothing more than that.”
BENJAMIN CREMASCHI, AN EXAMPLE
“He’s a versatile player who can cover several roles. He trained as a wing-back for a long time, and we could see the progress he was making. When the opportunity came, he took it. He’s worked very hard, always with a clear focus on being available to the team in the best way possible. Then it’s up to the coach to make the right choices at the right time. He made it clear he was ready, and he showed that on the pitch. That says a lot about him – about his mentality and his ability to keep pushing and persevere. He’s an example for this group, which has the mindset to do whatever is needed to pick up results and achieve our shared objective.”
CURRENT SITUATION
“Bernabé is out, while Frigan and Pontus (Almqvist) are still following their individual recovery programmes. The rest of the squad is available. Valenti is back from suspension, and we also welcome back Sasha (Britschgi). Mena Martinez has been called up from the Primavera, so we’re ready to go to Torino and try to take points. Suzuki or Corvi? Eleven players will start and the others will be ready to help those on the pitch and make a positive impact during the game. One goalkeeper will start and two will be on the bench. Britschgi? He can help us and he’s available.
“In midfield, there will definitely be a lot of duels, just like in attack and defence. We need to link up well and defend very well. When we’re in duels, we have to cover the spaces well while defending. At the same time, we need the ability to make forward runs, receive the ball between the lines, and attack the opposition goal to score. Then we have to get back to our own goal at full speed to make sure we don’t concede.
“We need to understand how to exploit the spaces that open up when we have the ball, manage transitions well, defend strongly, stay compact and aggressive, and win our duels. To win and achieve good results, you have to do many things, and do them well. You need to dominate both boxes – that’s where games are decided. We have to be complete to control the match the way we want, anticipate the problems Torino will try to create, and make the most of the opportunities we have to hurt them.”
MANAGING THE MOMENT
“It’s easier to manage positive results than negative ones, but everything is a learning opportunity. Everything helps you grow. The team has been balanced: everyone knows the level they need to reach, and they know it takes hard work – which they always put in. The ability to give your best, keep working, and stay grounded is key. The players are aware they need to maintain that level, and to get closer to our goals we have to work hard and work smart.
“The same starting eleven as in Florence? You pick the players who can help you win the game, not the ones who can’t. In life, you can’t stand still; standing still means not evolving. Sometimes you keep things the same, other times you change the ‘how’ or the ‘who’. But the ‘what’ – our identity and principles – must always stay the same and remain our strengths.”
FINAL OBJECTIVE
“Fighting for tenth place? For me, there’s no bigger goal than making the most of every single day. That increases your chances of achieving certain objectives. We focus on the present: doing our best today, and going to Turin tomorrow fully aware of the challenge we’ll face. We have to be focused on getting the points. We don’t want to look too far ahead or behind: we concentrate on ourselves and doing our best. That’s what helps you get results.”
