Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has been speaking to the clubs official radio station.
 

First up was a look back to Monday night’s win in Genoa and the performance of Radja Nainngolan. Spalletti declared that; “He is a warrior on the field, he is everywhere, he starts attacks and he breaks up opponents advances”.
 

Asked whether flexibility was the key to modern football he explained that; “We haven’t changed a lot. We’ve remained faithful to our idea of football, to manage the game to exert our influence in matches”. Having played Bologna, Torino, Genoa and with a lunchtime date on Sunday with Chievo coming up, it was put to Spalletti that playing teams who are in the comfort zone can be dangerous. He replied; “Playing without tension allows you to express yourself more and this is dangerous because players are playing for their futures too”.  

When asked if the return of Kevin Strootman offered more alternatives, he stated that; “our team has made big steps forward, he’s recovered in the right way and has made himself available to the team, this is the fundamental thing”. With so many players now available for selection, he was asked if it was hard to keep the squad happy, Spalletti declared; “We tried some things in the second of the season, some have gone well, others not as good as people have seen. On the training ground we try other things and if they are successful, we adapt them to our play”.  

With the fans due to return to the Stadio Olimpico for the final home game of the season, the coach was asked what difference this would make. He replied; “This is pleasing as football needs the participation from the supporters. We have spoken about the situation here and I know our players will find it reassuring to have the fans back on Sunday”.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler