FONSECA FACES MEDIA AHEAD OF SPEZIA REMATCH
Coach Paulo Fonseca held his customary pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, ahead of the weekend's Serie A encounter with Spezia.
The two sides face off at the Stadio Olimpico for the second time in less than a week on Saturday - with kick-off at 15:00 local time.
Here's everything the boss had to say going into the game...
Tomorrow is another testing game, this time against Spezia in the league. How is the squad doing ahead of the game? Do you think your future could ride on the result?
“I have always felt the backing of the chairman, ever since he arrived here. We have also spoken today, and once again I felt his support. For me it’s not an issue.”
Will you start the game with Edin Dzeko leading the line tomorrow?
“Unfortunately, we have a few issues with a few of the players in our squad. Pedro is not fit, Mkhitaryan is doubtful for the game and Dzeko took a knock against Spezia and it was still an issue yesterday so will not be available for the match.”
For Pau Lopez’s red card on Tuesday night the defensive line was far too high up the pitch. How can something like that possibly happen?
“In football if there weren’t ever any mistakes then there wouldn’t ever be any goals. We always analyse and go over whatever we do. Every day here at Trigoria we work to improve what we didn’t do well.”
How is Borja Mayoral doing?
“He seems good to me. He played really well on Tuesday, just like he did against Crotone. He created a lot of chances for the team – it’s true he missed a few too, but we cannot forget that he is still young. He always works hard.”
What are you expecting from Spezia tomorrow?
“It will be difficult, just like the other game [on Tuesday]. Spezia are an opponent with a clear identity. We want to prepare for it in the right way in order to win the game tomorrow.”
(Photo Getty Images)
