Pisa, Oscar Hiljemark shows up with ideas already clear

Oscar Hiljemark, Pisa’s new coach, introduced himself at a press conference on the eve of his debut on the Nerazzurri bench against Verona, immediately outlining the line of his work and the path that awaits the Tuscan team in the season finale. The former Swedish midfielder opened the conference in Italian with words full of emotion: “I am very happy and proud to be here”. An important assignment, which comes at a delicate time for Pisa, engaged in the struggle to maintain the category.

In this regard Hiljemark left no room for interpretation: “Our only goal is salvation. Now we need points”. He went on to talk about his first feelings about training: “We have been working together for three days and I tried to send a clear message right away: we have to be a team and play together”. The’former Elfsborg coach also highlighted the quality of the squad available, showing confidence in his players and the locker room environment, described as “fantastic”.

On the tactical level, the coach explained that he did not want to revolutionize the work set previously. “The team has strong players and I will not change the system of play” he said, hinting at a willingness to continue with the three-man defense. Rather than about upheavals, Hiljemark preferred to focus on some fundamental aspects to be improved in the short term, such as the defensive phase, inactive balls, and the management of the first possession after recovering the ball.

Great attention was also paid to the mental aspect. “We must not disunite in the face of difficulties. We must remain united and defend all together” he explained, pointing to defensive solidity as one of the pillars for achieving results. He did not miss a note of self-deprecation when he spoke about the Italian language: “I still lack some rhythm, but I am working to improve”. He then took stock of the summoned players and the unavailable: “Albiol, Denoon, Vural and Semper will be out. Cuadrado and Iling-Junior summoned”.

Hiljemark then turned his thoughts to his predecessor and former teammate in the Palermo days, Alberto Gilardino: “I haven&#8220t heard from him yet, but he is a great person. Maybe I will call him in the coming days”.

The challenge for Hiljemark has just begun and will certainly not be easy, he has the task of lifting up a Pisa side in penultimate place that has not found the way to victory since Nov. 7, but the message sent to the team and the environment is already clear: compactness, work and determination to win permanence in Serie A.