“Humility and clear ideas”, Marco Ferrante presents “his” Ischia Calcio

Presentation day at Ischia Calcio. The club, which filed the necessary documentation for registration in Serie D in record time and will regularly take part in the next championship, welcomed Marco Ferrante, the new general manager. The new Gialloblù manager, in a press conference, addressed various topics, starting from the relationship that ties him to president Pino Taglialatela: "Fundamentally we never left each other, because we grew up in football in Naples. Then we went through the process, but taking two different paths. Regardless of everything, something very easy was born between the parties, due to the relationship of friendship/brotherhood, because we grew up together.

Pino explained to me a bit about the reality of Ischia, the objective difficulties, the many sacrifices and efforts. This is a deserving island, there is a lot of public attendance, perhaps in part also a little to reconquer, with enthusiasm. We will put our skills, human and professional. A nice union was born between the parties to do something interesting, but with a low profile. This is my custom, I don't promise the world. We are on the same wavelength. We want to create and work, aiming to improve each department. We will go and do what we think is best, with the right awareness. This is in principle. Now there is a lot of work to do. We have been doing it for quite a few weeks”.

Ferrante also spoke about Ischia's ambitions and the work he is carrying out in these first weeks on the island: "We will have a special eye on the islanders, both the under and the over. I have also had the opportunity and knowledge to interact with the boys who have been confirmed, they are important players. Some young people could also undertake a good path in the next few years, hopefully with Ischia. Our goal is maximum humility, combined with maximum professionalism. As I always emphasize, we must have a low profile.

Through all these aspects, in my opinion, there could be the approach of some important entrepreneur. We are lucky to be two public figures, more than someone asks us. But all this comes through work. It must not be a ship that takes on water, but it must be beautiful to look at and very professional. And then the task is even easier. This is my thought”.

On the objectives and the type of team he wants to build, the general manager specified: "I come from more than a thousand kilometers away. With all due respect and love for Pino, I am not here for a job because I don't need one and I also had other opportunities. However, Ischia is a great opportunity for me, it is an important chance for the beauty and history of the place. Pino has touched the right key. I don't want to appear and I don't think about building a mediocre team.

Nobody likes to lose. I'll give you an example: when I played with Torino against the unbeatable Juventus, I knew it was a difficult match to win, but in terms of hunger and determination there would have been the possibility of getting a good result. In my opinion, we need to send an important signal to the locker room.

When you take a player you must not only look at the technical aspect, but also at the character. It is vitally important to be able to count on the men, capable of reacting to any difficulties. We will look for various leaders for each department. We have clear ideas, also with the coach. We have been working for several weeks. We think we are building a tough team. Names? To be fair I cannot say them now, maybe in a few hours ... ".

We then moved on to the transfer market, with the club confirming some players, but also preparing for a major shakeup of the squad compared to last season: “Defense? I could say 12/13 names, but I won't do it until there's a signature. We'll go for two strong central defenders, both physically and technically, with good feet. In my opinion, it's a very important aspect in football for building the game from the back. We also have a goalkeeper who is good at setting up from the back. There are no starters here, the pitch will give its verdict.

On the right we will go for a very strong player, I take responsibility for what I say, I had him for two years, he is very strong. On the left we will go for a talent, I took him from one of my historic enemies. He is an important player, he also played in the World Cup with the National team of his category. Obviously he has to grow.

Group? It should change. I've done it in the past, I have some knowledge. Midfield? Important players will arrive, on a qualitative level. We are looking for dynamic players. In attack you have guessed a piece (Messina, ed.), but we are also looking at other objectives, to provide replacements. There will also be wingers who are good in one-on-one. We have clear ideas".

Ferrante closed the conference by talking about the figure who will lead Ischia in the next Serie D championship: “Is there already collaboration with the new coach? The answer is right and obvious to ensure that there is a professional relationship with the new coach. From how I see football, I want a coach who can read the game in progress. He must have the right men to be able to change the game system during the game.

I want a flexible team, capable of switching from a four-man defense to a three-man defense, for example. I'm counting on versatile players and a mentalized coach, prepared in this. I'll keep an eye on the youth sector, especially the lever below us to be able to pick up some elements. We have high-level unders. I don't deny that some of the players will come with us on retreat to help them grow, to make them take a beating, to make them gain experience, using football jargon. Ischia, unlike other locations where I've been, has a high base of young people, on a qualitative level.

Important physiques, which in modern football are not bad. Surely someone has to improve, as it is right. And both educators and coaches are needed. For me the coach, first, must be an educator. We are bringing a bit of our experience and professionalism. But I always repeat: I am the last. However, we have clear ideas to go and do a certain type of work, targeted, humble, but to make a team with the awareness that playing against us will not be easy”.