Gilardino wants ‘hungry’ players at Genoa

Alberto Gilardino explains why he decided to sign a new contract at Genoa, although defeat to 10-man Roma leaves ‘a bitter taste in the mouth.’

The Grifone have been comfortably mid-table for most of the campaign, but have not been holding back in these final weeks of the season.

They were beaten 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico this evening when Romelu Lukaku nodded in the Stephan El Shaarawy cross, after Leandro Paredes had been sent off for dissent.

“It does leave a bitter taste in the mouth to concede a goal like that against 10 men,” confessed Gilardino to DAZN.

“We should’ve done better, but the lads played well against a strong team who were fighting for an important objective. We largely reduced Roma to shots from outside the penalty area.”

Gilardino commits to Genoa

The coach took Genoa to promotion last season and mid-table safety this year, so agreed to sign a new contract at Marassi.

“I had expressed my desire to the club some time ago, which was to provide a sense of consistency to this project. I am happy here, we have laid strong foundations and that is fundamental for a coach.

“I signed the contract this morning with the director. I am happy, as is the club, and now we want to build on these foundations with players who are hungry.”

Gilardino also revealed there are going to be changes in his tactical approach at Genoa next term.

“We want to be able to change our tactical shape so we have options, from the start and during the match, being as mentally open as we have been this season.”