Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco is focused on maintaining his team’s Serie A status for the second year running.
The Neroverdi picked up 13 points in the final seven games of the last campaign to survive and Di Francesco’s men have continued that momentum into this season, currently sitting 11th at the half-way stage.
However, Sassuolo have drawn three of their last four fixtures from winning positions; the extra six points would have seen them level on points with fifth-placed Lazio.
Di Francesco told Rai Sport that while Sassuolo are currently nine points clear of the relegation zone, his side need to learn to see games out.
“We still have to grow and improve,” said the 45-year-old coach.
“We need to better manage the final minutes of matches, maybe I need to focus on this aspect with my players.
“There is regret because of the points we have lost but our primary objective is salvation, once we have 40 points maybe we can turn our attentions to other goals.
“Overall though I am very happy with what we have achieved so far in the league campaign.”
When Sassuolo travel to face relegation threatened Cagliari this Sunday, it will almost be a year since club owner Giorgio Squinzi decided to dismiss Di Francesco and replace him with Alberto Malesani.
After the former Genoa coach suffered five straight defeats, Di Francesco returned to the helm to inspire last season’s survival before signing a contract extension until 2016 at the start of this campaign.
“I came back to save the team, not for some kind of revenge, this is my strength,” Di Francesco said.
“President Squinzi has been so happy this year, he is a big Sassuolo fan. Our relationship has grown and I like his mentality.
“I’m an ambitious coach though and I will always try to improve myself, but for now I am happy to stay here with Sassuolo.”
