Nainggolan: Roma just need time to click under Di Francesco

Radja Nainggolan believes it's only a matter of time before everything falls into place at Roma under Eusebio Di Francesco.

Speaking in the wake of Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Olimpico, the midfielder insisted that it's simply a case of adjusting to the new coach's ideas, adding that the Giallorossi will soon be winning games with panache again.

“Di Francesco has his own philosophy and that's only right,” the Belgian said in an interview with Il Romanista. “We've been completely open to his ideas but we're obviously not running like clockwork just yet. It will take a little while before we see the sort of football he has in mind.

“We all know we had a fantastic season last term, setting a new points record and all that, but it's a closed chapter now. We've lost some big players and when new guys come in you need a bit of time for them to bed in before you start playing the way the coach wants.

“He knew it wasn't going to be easy to take over after [Luciano] Spalletti but he hasn't run into any difficulties. He's come in and set out his ideas very clearly and shown great determination in pursuing them.

“His greatest attribute is his character. He's very focused on the job at hand. I remember it wasn't at all easy when we used to come up against his Sassuolo side, especially at the Olimpico.

“There's been far too much talk about the coach but we all know how football works. People have even alleged things were said by [Jim] Pallotta, but he's never criticised Di Francesco.”

After enjoying a fantastic campaign playing 'out of position' in the hole last term, the 29-year-old has reverted to his old central midfield role under the new boss and says he's equally happy in either spot.

“It makes no difference to me whether I play 10 yards further forward or a bit further back. I play wherever I play.

“I'm not going to deny that last season was my best ever because I scored loads of goals and played really well, but I've always been a central midfielder. I just need to get used to playing there again.

“I'm not a trequartista: the Ronaldinhos of this world normally play there. Me playing in the hole last season was an idea Spalletti came up with and it turned out to be a perfect fit for me. But now I'm back in my old position and this is just right for me too.”

Roma are in the midst of a busy run of games and now have three Serie A fixtures on the trot. After Verona visit the Olimpico on Saturday, the Giallorossi travel to Benevento next Wednesday then face Udinese at home on Saturday 23 September. Radja feels the week ahead is the perfect opportunity for Roma to step up their game.

“These are the sort of matches where we can show the best of ourselves. Verona will be coming here battered and bruised after losing 5-0 at home but they've basically got nothing to lose. We have to make the most of these games by winning them and showing that we can play nice football.

“We still aren't getting huge crowds at the Olimpico – it was half empty against Atletico. It's better when the Olimpico is a wall of noise: it puts the frighteners on our opponents and fires us up.

“It's up to us to win over our fans again. I'm sure they'll come flocking back if we can string a run of results together. At least we have the Curva back – that already makes a big difference.”