Carlo Sanchez urges Real Forio: "We'll be ready for the Cup and the league."

A new season, new challenges, and a squad that's almost entirely rebuilding. Carlo Sanchez, at the helm of Real Forio, is preparing to compete in an Eccellenza championship in what promises to be one of the toughest Group A matches ever. The training camp began with a fast-paced home match and a cancelled but now rescheduled friendly. For the coach, who can count on the support of top-tier players like Pippo Florio, Peppe Mattera, Tarascio, Yeboah, Santiago, and many others, it's a matter of blending experience and youth, instilling in everyone the winning mentality and unity that have distinguished the squad in recent years.

A new season begins for Real Forio, and we've already commented on the preparation process many times. On Saturday, we watched a family match that felt like a real competition. What are your impressions after this first test? "They're positive, especially considering the commitment the boys have shown since day one. Today was a further test of what I already knew: we have a committed, important, and quality group."

Besides the technical quality, what impressed you most? "Above all, I saw a group that knows how to work together, and that's crucial. The unity aspect is the most important thing, especially when you have to bring together players with a few years of experience and young players who still need to integrate. Some have already had experiences together, others haven't, and this part of the job is demanding. It's challenging for me, because we've changed several players and the group is practically new."

Is the core group helping the new players to integrate? "Absolutely. Sometimes, just adding one player is enough to change the balance, let alone with more additions. But thanks to the veterans, everyone is meshing well. Our core group has allowed the team to grow and become a major force. Today, with experienced and quality players, this combination is helping the entire team grow. The work and focus must always be there: we will never be perfect or spectacular in every aspect, but we will be a team that will give everything, all season long."

When top-tier players like Pippo Florio, Peppe Mattera, or Tarascio arrive, does anything change in the management? "I feel lucky. It's not easy to have top-notch players like the ones you mentioned on the team, and there are others. They help me, the club, and the environment grow. They give me the opportunity to mix and match, to have significant changes in training and matches. If this team was built this way, there's a reason."

The family game felt like much more than just a training session. "Yes, it was played at a high pace, with great intensity, and we're only in the first week of work. I'm enjoying everything, and the desire to be together is growing. Football is a team game: the more time we spend together, the more united we become, and the more we can move forward towards our goals. These are goals we must respect, both towards the fans and towards a club that makes enormous sacrifices and is a great organization."

You've often spoken about the fans these days. "They're spectacular. With their humility, they follow us every day and are there for us at matches. Let's not forget that Forio, during this period, is working incredibly hard for tourism: people are making sacrifices to come and see us, and this is a huge responsibility for us. We need to reciprocate their support."

Let's talk goals: what do you expect from the Coppa Italia and the league? "The goal is to do better than last year, starting with the Cup. Last year didn't go well, but this year we have a duty, with this squad, to take a significant step forward. The first goal is to be ready for August 27th, for the match against Sibilla Bacoli: it will be a crucial test to see if this month's work has paid off. Then we'll focus on the league matches. It will all be difficult, because it's not just us: there are some very strong teams. I've never hidden my desire to do better than last year. For me, "doing better" means fighting to win; then, if we don't win, it will be complicated, but we'll still fight to give everyone satisfaction."

Group A proves to be one of the toughest. "Yes, it's a tough and hated group, due to the context, not the pitches. There are well-equipped teams like Ercolanese, Gladiator, Cavese, Puteolana, Sibilla themselves, who will be a surprise, and Pomigliano. We're a big, troublesome team, with a squad I can't forget. I think it will be our usual championship: complicated, difficult, with four or five teams—ourselves included—worthy of a Serie D. We'll need a lot of focus, a lot of strength, and a lot of calm, without giving in to discouragement during negative moments, which can happen in a championship."