Genoa vs Lecce preview - Under-fire Di Francesco remains upbeat

Posted Sunday, October 16, 2011 by PA

Lecce coach Eusebio Di Francesco does not feel his position is under threat heading into their game at Genoa.

The pressure has started to mount on Di Francesco as a result of his team's slow start to the campaign.

A 2-0 loss against Cagliari last time out was Lecce's fourth defeat in five games and prompted the Italian media to suggest Di Francesco's days at the helm are numbered.

However, Lecce club administrator Renato Cipollini recently gave his full support to the under-fire boss.

"I don't feel that my job is on the line," Di Francesco said, backing up Cipollini`s words.

"We have deserved much more than we have collected so far and we just have to keep working hard."

However Di Francesco does believe his side, who have given away nine goals in the last three games, need to show a vast improvement.

"The only way I know how to come out of a difficult situation is through hard and constant work," he said.

"We have to show more confidence and self-belief."

Di Francesco will be hopping his team can get their act together ahead of a difficult schedule.

Lecce, who are 18th in the standings, host AC Milan next weekend before travelling to Sicily to face Palermo.

Rivals Genoa also hope to turn their fortunes around on Sunday.

Defeats at Chievo and Parma have dropped the Grifoni to 10th place and coach Alberto Malesani is banking on his team rediscovering their winning touch this weekend.

"It's going to be a challenge against Lecce but we are hungry to get a win," Malesani said.

"We have yet to lose at home and we hope that with the help of our fans, we will win on Sunday."