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.”

How is it possible that no-one knew the rules surrounding substitutions on Tuesday?

“We all need to know the rules. The problem is that the rules keep on changing. I do not want to try and avoid my responsibility, but now we are thinking about the league game against Spezia.”

Can you tell us what happened after the game against Spezia?

“I have been here a year and a half now, I know how things work. When we don’t win, there is always something bad to be said about it all. I don’t want to add to that discussion.”

Do you feel like you have the support of the players?

“Yes.”

If the squad aren’t behind you any more, would you consider resigning?

“This is a new project, with a new chairman and so it can always be the case that there are difficulties along the way. However, I am not the sort of person to give up.”

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 involved are you in the transfer market decisions?

“Every day we work on it together. Myself, [Tiago] Pinto, Ryan [Friedkin], the chairman – all working together to improve the squad.”

How are Pedro and Mkitaryan?

“Pedro won’t be available for the game. With Micki, we will see after training today.”

How do you respond to those that say you are unable to adapt and make tactical changes during a game?

“It’s normal that people will say things like that after a defeat. I make mistakes like everyone does.”

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.”