Bepi Pillon is pushing Bari: "I trust Magalini; Caserta was an excellent choice."

BARI - In Bari, football isn't just a sport, it's identity, belonging, and daily debate. And when the season resumes, every decision carries weight. In a context fraught with tension and expectations, the club has chosen to turn over a new leaf, appointing Fabio Caserta as coach. He brings a clear vision of the game and a desire to rebuild an emotional bond with the fans.

Bepi Pillon, a seasoned coach with a deep understanding of locker room dynamics and hot spots, takes stock of this new phase. The former red and white coach explores the tactical changes since the Longo era, the transfer strategies that focus on familiar faces in Caserta—particularly former Catanzaro players—and the opportunities left open by Brescia's collapse. Above all, he seeks to understand how the discontent within the club will influence the new coach's work and what tools are truly needed to reignite the passion of a city just waiting to believe in him again.

Mr. Pillon, the choice of Fabio Caserta as Bari manager has sparked mixed reactions. What's your take on this decision?

Caserta has several championships under his belt, and recently he's also done very well in Catanzaro. He's done a really good job. He's a coach who comes from the ranks, and that gives me a lot of confidence. He's a good expert on Serie B. His teams always have a clear tactical and character identity. I think Magalini knows him well and made the right choice. Let's just say he played it safe.

With Caserta's arrival, a shift in play is expected compared to Longo's setup. What kind of tactical evolution do you expect?

We'll understand based on the new players who arrive and the system Caserta will subsequently adopt. To answer this question, we'll have to wait until the training camp to evaluate how the team will be structured on the pitch. We'll see the system there. I believe the coach will make his decisions based on the characteristics of the players at his disposal. He shouldn't deviate from a four-man defense. Each of us adopts the system he feels best suits his own philosophy. Sometimes, a coach also needs to carefully analyze the profiles of the resources available. The advantage is to plan now with the sporting director to identify the players who best fit his style. For example, defenders who fit best into a back four. This is also because he's already used this system.

Several names linked to Bari in this transfer window have already worked with Caserta in Catanzaro. How important is the familiarity between coach and players in a project starting from scratch?

There's a small advantage. That's working with players he knows perfectly. He can therefore give a core group identity, working with people he already knows and has his complete trust. In this sense, I have a lot of faith in Magalini. I know him well, having worked with him since his time at Alessandria. As far as I'm concerned, he's a very good manager.

Among the incoming players are players released after Brescia's bankruptcy. To what extent could they represent an opportunity for an ambitious team like Bari?

"It's an opportunity because free agents bring financial benefits to the club. Verreth, Dickmann, and Moncini are all very talented and excellent players in their category. Having them available is certainly an advantage."

The Bari environment is notoriously passionate but also highly critical. How much can a coach's daily work influence the atmosphere around the club?

"The important thing is the results. These determine the love and support of the fans. Perhaps I was an exception because I arrived during the season and we failed to avoid relegation to Serie C. However, they always loved me and respected me for what I did on the pitch during my six months in Bari. Starting from the beginning is always an advantage for a coach. Caserta can choose players they can trust and plan the team better. Then, the results come."

Caserta spoke of "rekindling enthusiasm" among the fans. In your opinion, what are the concrete levers to achieve this in such a demanding environment?

"Through results. There's no other choice. And also through good football."

The transfer market will be crucial to building the team's identity. What qualities do you think the ideal profile for Bari di Caserta should have?

"Players have to tolerate the pressure of the environment and the managers, who always want to win. To create a positive atmosphere, there must be unity between the club, the fans, and the team. This is the foundation for creating a positive atmosphere."

You've coached in hot and complex clubs. How important is communication management, in addition to technical management, for a coach in a city like Bari today?

"It matters a lot. But the work in the field matters even more. Through that, you carry everything else with you."

The San Nicola stadium can be an additional weapon, but also a merciless gauge of the mood in the crowd. What role can the stadium play in the club's revitalization?

When the Curva is full and passionate, Bari fans are truly the extra twelfth man. I tell people to stay close to the team and also to the club. These days, many clubs plagued by financial problems go bankrupt. Having a solid ownership that guarantees continuity is very important. The De Laurentiis family can guarantee Bari's future. Then, we need to see how much importance they place on such a prestigious club. They too are forced to perform well. Winning is never easy, especially in Serie B. A major transfer campaign is needed to reconnect with the fans.

If you were working alongside Caserta today as a technical consultant, what would be the first piece of advice you'd give him to face this challenge?

"In a city like Bari, you have to focus solely on the players and the work on the pitch, without worrying about external pressures. You need to keep a clear head, try to do your best and do it well. This gives you the drive to try to win the championship."