Mutti: Bari can survive

Posted Sunday, February 13, 2011 by PA

New Bari coach Bortolo Mutti has set his sights on masterminding a great escape for the Galletti over the final 14 games of the Serie A season.

Mutti, who replaced Giampiero Ventura after Bari's 2-0 defeat at Brescia in the last round of matches, faces Genoa on Sunday looking to kickstart their survival bid.

"I have arrived here because I believe it is possible to avoid the drop," said Mutti. "Had I thought otherwise I would have not taken this job.

"There are many games left to play and we will have to take as many points as possible."

Mutti, whose biggest coaching success was to lead Messina to a seventh-place finish in Serie A in 2005, will guide Bari until the end of the campaign.

"For the time being, I am only thinking of giving my best from here until May and then we will consider the future," said Mutti.

The 56-year-old has a tough task at hand.

Bari have won just once in their last 19 matches and go into the clash against Genoa on the back of six consecutive defeats.

Last weekend's setback saw them remain at the foot of the standings, nine points from safety.

But Mutti is confident his team can turn things around.

"I want to transmit my determination and enthusiasm to the team," he said.

"I think we can get the results needed for the team to remain in the top flight but we need everyone to row in the same direction."

Bari have scored the fewest goals in Serie A with just 14 in 24 games - only two in their last six matches.

Rivals Genoa go into the encounter in buoyant mood having held leaders AC Milan to a 1-1 draw last time out to move up to 13th place.

"Considering the quality of opposition we were up against, this point is very important to us," said Genoa coach Davide Ballardini, whose side have nevertheless won just twice in their last eight games.

"My men put in a decent showing for the entire 90 minutes and we could have even won given the chances.

"This performance is a big boost in confidence for the team ahead of the game at Bari."