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Palermo's Bortolo Mutti admits Josip Ilicic has struggled with second-season syndrome
The Rosanero boss is of the opinion the Slovenian was showered in praise too soon by parts of the Italian media, and as a result has not matched his exploits from last season
05-Feb-2012 4:27:14 AM
By Livio Caferoglu
Getty Images
Palermo coach Bortolo Mutti has put Josip Ilicic's poor form this season down to too much expectation being placed on his shoulders.
The midfielder was one of the revelations of the 2010-11 campaign in Serie A, following a number of dynamic performances which saw him net eight goals and help his side to a place in the Coppa Italia final against Inter.
However, he has found it more difficult to make an impact in his second season at the Renzo Barbera, and Mutti feels the reason why he has faced difficulties in replicating his form is due to people being too quick to judge him.
"Perhaps we expected too much of Ilicic at once, he must bide his time," said Mutti at a press conference.
"He has the talent, but he must make his way without being blinded by the headlights. He has suffered from this weight and pressure."
Mutti then turned his attentions to Sunday's crunch Serie A clash with Atalanta, and the veteran boss noted he hopes Palermo can sustain their performance levels from the 4-4 draw against Inter.
"It will be tough, but we want to maintain the quality we displayed against Inter, although perhaps we could tighten up our defence," he concluded.
Kick-off in Bergamo is scheduled for 15.00CET.
The midfielder was one of the revelations of the 2010-11 campaign in Serie A, following a number of dynamic performances which saw him net eight goals and help his side to a place in the Coppa Italia final against Inter.
However, he has found it more difficult to make an impact in his second season at the Renzo Barbera, and Mutti feels the reason why he has faced difficulties in replicating his form is due to people being too quick to judge him.
"Perhaps we expected too much of Ilicic at once, he must bide his time," said Mutti at a press conference.
"He has the talent, but he must make his way without being blinded by the headlights. He has suffered from this weight and pressure."
Mutti then turned his attentions to Sunday's crunch Serie A clash with Atalanta, and the veteran boss noted he hopes Palermo can sustain their performance levels from the 4-4 draw against Inter.
"It will be tough, but we want to maintain the quality we displayed against Inter, although perhaps we could tighten up our defence," he concluded.
Kick-off in Bergamo is scheduled for 15.00CET.
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