Lecce, Sunday 11 January 2026 – Speaking after Lecce vs Parma, Matchday 20 of Serie A, head coach Carlos Cuesta said:

“We didn’t start well and the opening goal was a blow. We struggled to settle and Lecce caused us problems, especially on follow-up balls and in duels. However, from the start of the second half the dynamic changed: after the red card we moved the ball better and created more chances, which allowed us to be more dangerous. Banda’s dismissal gave us more space. We looked liked we were more patient than we were a month ago [against Lazio], and that’s part of our growth process. We’re happy with that, even though we know we want to have more of the ball. I see improvements and that’s positive. Today they were enough to win the game.The response was excellent: the players took responsibility for what they had to do and did it with clarity. I have to congratulate them for raising the technical level, for knowing when to push and when to be patient, and for creating chances — hitting the post, the crossbar and scoring twice. That’s how we understood how to win the match. In the first half we struggled to progress; we tried, but it was a matter of clarity. The league table? We need points, and it’s good that we got them today. But our focus is points, points, points. There are many games still to play. On Wednesday we go to Naples with maximum humility and the desire to put in a strong performance and try to get a result.The transfer market? I expect to do everything possible to help these players keep improving their performances. We are working closely with the club staff and we know the direction we want to go in.”