If you look up farcical in a thesaurus, then look up incredible and all the related words, then, add all the definitions of determined to the mix and see if there is a common word that relates to all of this. Confusing? Of course it is, however, this is only the tip of the emotional iceberg that is Cagliari.
On the one hand the team as a whole has been nothing but outstanding since the turn of the year. The relegation certainties have been transformed into a dangerous mid table side and with their brand of quick closing down and counter attacking football, the islanders have become a potent force.
It is no secret anymore of the closed door policy that has been imposed on the home fans due to the safety of the stadium and the farcical debacle of the arrested president due to embezzlement, yet, still they perform. How many teams would be able to stage the resurgence of the season whilst playing with their supporters bravely and loyally cheering from outside.
So how has this occurred? Co-coach Diego Lopez gave away a vital clue in the post-match press conference after their victory against Fiorentina when he said, “We have many strikers and they are all talented, so choices are difficult and yet have to be made. Mauricio Pinilla worked hard training. We’ll never get accustomed to playing without a crowd, as it feels almost like a training session.”
Firstly they have strikers who are able to score goals which is key on any relegation dog fight. Secondly they work hard for each other, probably created by the siege mentality they must feel at the moment and thirdly and most importantly they are playing without any pressure.
Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella also gave away a clue when he said that, “Our tempo was too slow in the first half and our two mistakes allowed Cagliari to break the deadlock. With a little more luck, we could’ve earned a draw that would have been deserved.” Could it be that the slow start was caused by the lack of atmosphere and therefore lack of urgency.
Whatever the circumstances and even if this closed door policy has bizarrely had a good psychological effect the Sardinians have now been dealt another cruel blow and this time from the club itself.
The club sent a letter to the authorities in the town on Tuesday morning informing them of the decision to leave the Stadio Is Arenas, as they want to get the fans back in and they need a safer environment. The stadium could now be dismantled and re-built in another area, but whilst this happened they may have to play in another far flung stadium. Remember last season in Trieste?
The situation undoubtedly needs sorting out but it is interesting that since the troubles the team has shone. Maybe this next debacle will see them climb higher. What does seem to be true is that the team have bonded during this crisis period and knowing the Sardinians it is unlikely that this will be the end of their problems.
