Lecce President Saverio Sticchi Damiani had a crisis meeting with coach Luca Gotti following the 6-0 defeat to Fiorentina, but both men insist they have decided to continue working together.
The reports inevitably emerged that the club was ready to fire their coach following this humiliating loss at the Stadio Via del Mare.
Although Antonino Gallo was sent off before half-time, Fiorentina were already leading 2-0 at the time and went on to rack up a tennis score of 6-0.
When the post-match press conference was delayed for a long time so that the club chiefs could hold a crisis meeting with Gotti, people feared the worst.
Lecce stand by Gotti amid crisis
However, when they finally emerged, President Sticchi Damiani spoke to Telerama about the situation.
“It was a bad performance, made even more complicated by the red card, but as the fans pointed out, it is only right that today I take on all the responsibility. That is what I always did during tough moments and I am well aware that is my role.
“My job now is to take responsibility and try to find a solution, hoping that everyone can work together and do more. I am convinced this squad has quality and I will defend it. I have been doing so since the start of the season and I am confident the players will give the response I am looking for.”
It is not the first time that Lecce have visibly crumbled when they have conceded the opening goal and Gotti has said the problem is more psychological than tactical.
“At the end of the match, I felt the need to talk to the squad in the locker room,” said the coach in his press conference.
“We calmly reasoned with the directors and staff, but the issue of my position was not even discussed. We had the feeling during the week that we had sorted some things out and were working in the right direction, but at the first sign of difficulty, the team cannot manage a reaction.
“We showed weakness, a lack of character and it turned into a nightmare. We conceded goals that you cannot allow in Serie A. I think it might be the worst result of my career, all I can do is apologise to the fans and promise to give my all to turn it around.”
