PAREDES: "I WANT TO WIN THINGS WITH THIS TEAM"
Settling into his first season as a regular starter for Roma, Leandro Paredes has quickly adjusted to the pressures and demands of playing for the Giallorossi. After another appearance for the club during Sunday's 3-0 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico, the following morning the Argentine midfielder spoke to Roma Radio about his experiences at the club, after arriving as a teenager from Boca Juniors: "I settled in immediately; they made me feel right at home," Paredes said. "It's hard to join a team when you come from the other side of the world. Thankfully, I've bedded in nicely."
Tell us about your friendship with Juan Manuel Iturbe, Diego Perotti and the Argentine contingent:
"We get on really well. We're all Argentines, there's [Federico] Fazio too and we enjoy each other's company."
The team are on terrific form besides the disappointment at Empoli. Are you getting to know each other better?
"We're doing well. We can still improve a lot, however, and that's what we'll try to do. We've done very well though unfortunately we weren't able to win at Empoli, which was a big match."
How are you finding the No. 5 shirt? Did you know it's a significant number at Roma...
"Yes, so I hear. I chose it because it's the number of the position I play in Argentina, hence why I wanted it."
How much further room for improvement is there in your game? Do you feel like you're bossing the middle of the park?
"Yes, I feel good. I still have a long way to go and - with this coach and these team-mates - I can make massive strides. That's what I'm looking to do."
What does Luciano Spalletti specifically want from you?
"He always asks me to move the ball quickly and to get the team playing. I try to follow his instructions in every match."
How important is it for a midfielder to have a quick player like Mohamed Salah up front?
"It's definitely important. He's very quick and we have other options like [Stephan] El Shaarawy and Iturbe who also have pace to burn."
From Boca to Roma. You've gone from playing with Juan Roman Riquelme to Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan. You're constantly surrounded by top players in midfield...
"Yes, I'm lucky to play alongside them because I can learn an awful lot. Riquelme was very important for me both on a personal and professional level. He helped me a great deal and I'm happy to have called him a team-mate and friend."
What was it like playing at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera?
"It's amazing. There are no words to describe it, you have to experience it for yourself. It's sad we can't have the fans driving us on at the Olimpico. That would change so much."
Are you relieved the international break has come around?
"Yes, it's great for me and all of my team-mates who aren't away on international duty. Recovery is very important."
You face another big run of matches after the break, with Atalanta, AC Milan, the derby and Juventus...
"Those games won't be crucial because there will still be a long way to go. That said, they are of course important matches that we have to win to stay up near the top."
What's your target for the season?
"Play lots of football and win things with this club. We have lots of top players and a great coach."
Between the last international break and this one, Roma recorded the most points in the division, along with Atalanta. Do you have greater belief now?
"Yes and the results have shown that too but we have to keep trying to improve."
(Photo LaPresse)
