The big FCS misunderstanding: “Will was probably too small”

“The figure you give is pathetic,” says Pfeifer, referring to the chaos of participants in the second league. The FCS maker also has a clear opinion on other matters, such as star purchasing Francesco Di Tacchio's wish to change.

Preparation at FC Südtirol has now been going on for 6 weeks, with the cup away game against Sampdoria Genoa really starting on Monday. Everything ready?

Dietmar Pfeifer: The preparation was right. First we were in Ridnaun, then in Naturns and for a week at our home in the FCS Center in Rungg. We'll see whether we're ready. The fact is that we have changed a lot of personnel. The automatisms are certainly not perfect yet, it will take time. I still hope we can survive.

It has been clear for two days that the championship opener against Serie A relegated Spezia Calcio will take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Drususstadion in Bolzano. How big is the anticipation?

It's already big. We have had a season with an often sold-out stadium and great emotions in which the whole country was behind us. The fact that it starts on August 20th against last year's Serie A league team Spezia Calcio is awesome. For us, this is a groundbreaking test: Where are we?

The last few weeks have almost traditionally been a laughing stock that Italian football delivers every summer. As of today, it is not yet clear who will be among the 20 Serie B teams. Your opinion on this?

I'm having trouble with this situation. I'm a man for clear rules, which unfortunately doesn't apply to Italian football. The figure you cut is pathetic. But we would do well to look at ourselves and do our homework. “As of today we have 1200 season subscriptions.” Dietmar Pfeifer FC Südtirol was the big sensation last season, and the crowds at the Drususstadion were sometimes huge. How are season tickets selling?

As of today we have 1200 season subscriptions, the campaign will continue until the first home game on August 20th, and we may even extend it. It will be a record year. Last year we sold almost 800 season tickets.

In the summer there was a rumor that an additional grandstand would be built. What is the current standing?

It certainly won't be there at the start of the season. It's not enough just to set up a mobile grandstand. The overall concept has to be right, i.e. the safety regulations have to be adapted, access routes and controls have to be set up, and toilets have to be installed. This requires start-up time. The fact is that we start the season with 5514 seats. Then we'll see how it develops further. It must also be a sustainable solution for the future. A quick shot is of no use to anyone. We are on the same line with the municipality of Bolzano to find a well thought-out solution.

Dietmar Pfeifer is a man of clear words. © DLife/RM

What is the status of the tender for the bar licenses in the Drususstadion?

All I can say is what was recently reported in the media and that is that the liquor license for the VIP area will be redesigned. The Drususstadion property belongs to the municipality of Bolzano and they have control over what happens. We as FC Südtirol play in it and have to adapt.

When Serie B begins on August 20th, there will be a completely renewed FCS, without many of last year's regulars, but with confirmed coach Bisoli. What impression have you gained so far?

Bisoli is as he always was: a fighter, a tough dog. A lot of things are new, especially for new players. It takes time for them to internalize his philosophy. I maintain that we are better off than last year. People always talk about team spirit. But that has to be done technically and tactically. You never know where you stand. As a result, it is important that Bisoli stayed. Half of the squad knows his system, the new ones still have to adapt to it.

What can the many FCS fans look forward to?

We will once again see a strong fighting team, with down-to-earthness and willingness to make sacrifices as big assets. We have to bring these virtues onto the field from the first minute. Many teams have larger budgets, we have to make the most of our strengths. I am convinced that we have new players who have great quality. That alone won't be enough, the entire structure has to fit. I have a good feeling and no worry lines.

Last question: What happened with the supposed royal transfer to Francesco Di Tacchio that he's gone again?

When a player comes into a new environment where a lot is required between commitment, sacrifice and a new playing philosophy, it is never easy. Maybe the player wasn't as willing to make those sacrifices and bring the passion to training every day. Then misunderstandings like this happen, which is nothing new. Family stories can also play a role. But we are convinced that we will find a solution. Ultimately, the player wanted to leave again and is therefore responsible. The fact is that he probably wasn't or isn't the leader he seemed to be in the past. The will was probably too small to prove itself again. Coach Bisoli's players all start from scratch, none of them have any bonuses from the past.

Serie B Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Sassuolo	22	50:23	52
2. Step on	22	38:19	47
3. Specia	21	30:14	39
4. Cremonese	22	32:22	36
5. Palermo	22	23:19	30
6. Juventus Stabia	22	23:25	30
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The big FCS misunderstanding: “Will was probably too small”

On Monday, FC Südtirol starts the new season in the Italian Cup. Beforehand, managing director Dietmar Pfeifer comments on the hottest topics surrounding the Serie B club, such as the planned stadium expansion and the number of subscriptions sold.

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