Roma, Di Francesco downplays Pallotta attack

11 dic 2018

AS Roma coach Di Francesco spoke with media ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen. The Italian tactician is struggling and Italian media claim Roma could sack him if the Giallorossi fail to produce a solid reaction to the last disappointing results: “We need to have consistency inside the locker room and then what you think outside does not interest me”, Di Francesco said.

“Pallotta? His words were not official, my players can never reproach me for not being sincere and honest, even if sometimes they do not always like it. Injured players? Pastore could play from the first minute, Perotti won’t start and De Rossi is working a lot and very well. I hope to have him available against Juventus. Pellegrini will need some time. Dzeko could play against Juventus too”.

“I do not have many alternatives in terms of players eligible to play. I have many players who cannot play 90 minutes, so I will choose the same players that I played in Cagliari and who could also play with Genoa. Mirante will certainly play”.

"Shick? He needs to do more, I want him to do more and it's the same desire that he has".

“Difficult moments are part of my job. But if I'm still here it's because on the other side there's the awareness that I am a coach with some ideas. At this moment they are not working, but there is a desire to continue. I believe in my work and but we must change course. The ritiro helped us to understand our situation. I want to keep fighting and looking for solutions”.

Mirko Laurenti