FONSECA: WE DID WELL IN ALMOST EVERY ASPECT
Paulo Fonseca was full of praise for his side's performance on Sunday evening, as they beat Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico. Leonardo Spinazzola and Pedro got the goals for the Giallorossi on the night, as they put in arguably their most complete display of the season so far. Here's everything the boss had to say...
Do you think this team is growing and improving?
“It was a great performance against a really good side. Today we were good in pretty much every aspect; we were secure defensively, we pressured them well, we launched attacking moves quickly to release the forwards… and we created a lot of chances to take advantage of.”
Did you expect Lorenzo Pellegrini to be so effective in this role?
“As I’ve always said, Lorenzo is a really intelligent player. I never had any doubt he was capable of playing in a number of different positions. He played really well, like the others. I’m happy, he’s worked hard and he understands what he needs to do when he plays in that spot.”
Roma have not conceded since Chris Smalling returned to the starting line-up: is that a coincidence?
“No. I always said that Chris is really important for us. When you have three young defenders, it’s important to have someone like Chris – who brings a different calmness, a different type of experience and leadership.”
What are your targets in the league now?
“We need to take things game-by-game. We want to do better than we did last season, and that means qualifying for the Champions League. We need to keep playing with the ambition and attitude we’ve shown – while keeping things in perspective too. Focusing on the next match is always the most important thing we can do.”
Since Roma have moved to three at the back, you've looked like a real team.
“Compared to last season, this season we’ve started the campaign playing with three at the back and the team has reacted well to that. The team has more confidence with that formation, there’s more defensive security and it creates more opportunities for the side to launch quick counter-attacking moves. We’re playing well with this setup. We can still play in other formations, but right now there is no reason to change.”
Can Roma fight for the title?
“I’m always balanced – I’m not going to say that just because we’ve played one good game. Juventus and Inter are the sides better positioned to fight for the Scudetto.”
What about Sassuolo?
“They are a really good side. Let’s see – a few years ago no-one thought Leicester City could win the Premier League. I have a lot of admiration for the job Roberto De Zerbi is doing. He’s a coach with a lot of courage and his side are playing some really good football.”
(Photo Getty Images)
