MILAN – Empoli striker Massimo Maccarone spoke to the media after the Tuscan outfit’s round 1 defeat at home to Chievo over the weekend. This is what the Italian forward had to say about the match:

“In the first half we played very well and came close to doubling our lead several times. In the second half they got the better of us and a bit of fear and confusion set in after the equaliser. When you concede a goal and you’re not at your best mentally, fear creeps in and tiredness sets in that when you’re leading you don’t get. We have to improve a lot and keep our heads held high, it was only the first match and if we already start getting down then it’s a problem. The substitution? The coach makes his choices, it’s not a problem. There are also my team-mates, I respect them and it’s only right that they also play. We have to keep working with our heads held high. Last season we started off with 2 defeats and we didn’t get relegated. There are plenty of points to play for and we will try and do well. Our squad has always reacted well to difficult moments. I am not worried. The other results? There were lots of shock results. For us it’s a shame because we took the lead playing well and we weren’t able to come away with a result.”

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