[dukeofdavinci]

Cuper turns Parma shrink Sunday 16 March, 2008

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Hector Cuper needs to “work on the psychology” of Parma after his debut draw at the Stadio Armando Picchi.

“We did not play well, especially in the first half when it came to having possession,” he said of the 1-1 result.

“Cristiano Lucarelli was a little isolated upfront, but that is not the point. It was up to us to push up as a team and approach the Livorno box. We did not manage that in the first half, we did in the second.”

Cuper was brought in this week after the dismissal of Coach Domenico Di Carlo and has only had three days to work with the side.

“There is still a definite sense of anxiety and I have not had enough time to work on entertaining football. This squad needs confidence, to believe in what it does and everyone must recognise it takes time.

“The talent is there and I need to do more work on a psychological level.”

Livorno boss Giancarlo Camolese was relatively content with the 1-1 draw in this relegation dogfight.

“It was a difficult game and we had a good first half in terms of our aggression. We wanted to get a fast start to the second period to double our lead, but conceded and the match changed.”

Camolese told off the Livorno fans for jeering returning players Lucarelli and Stefano Morrone.

“I did not appreciate that behaviour. These two players have given a great deal to Livorno. Having said that, no player should ever be jeered.”

channel4.com - Football Italia