Mancini, Paredes and Saelemaekers react to Como win

Here’s what the players had to say.

Gianluca Mancini

You added something extra today in terms of humility.

“Credit to Como. This was the toughest match in recent weeks. In the first half, they were hard to pin down, their movement was good and did not let us play our normal game. It was difficult. At half time, we told ourselves to sit deeper because we were struggling to intercept their passes. Our reaction was fantastic, we won and we celebrated as we rightly should.”

Another factor has improved in recent months. Now you have more options from the bench and today they made the difference.

“We’re all in good shape. The coach picks 11 players but with five substitutions, anyone can be decisive. Tonight, everyone who came on gave something extra to help us win.”

Leandro Paredes

Saelemaekers the goalscorer

“Hopefully he keeps this up. He is important for us and has a lot of quality.”

Next up is a tough match against Athletic Club.

“We’ll definitely have to do much more than we did today because Athletic are a very strong team and it’ll be a very difficult match.”

Alexis Saelemaekers

11 matches unbeaten, four wins in a row. Who can stop you now?

“It was important to win today. We didn’t start that well. Como are a great team, we have to say that, but winning today was crucial.”

You’ve scored more than anyone else since Claudio Ranieri took over. What’s the secret?

“Being professional off the pitch is very important. Then I have the trust of the team and the coach. That’s all there is to it.”

You’re six points off fourth place. Do you believe it’s possible?

“We have to take it one match at a time. Then we’ll see.”