Fonseca: All focus must be on Bologna

Sunday's game at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 18:00 CEST.

Here's what the boss had to say going into the contest...

Roma are now inside the top 15 in UEFA’s European rankings: how do you explain the difference between the side’s performances in the Europa League and in Serie A in recent weeks?

“They are two different competitions. As I said before the game against Ajax, we have been inside the top four in Serie A throughout almost the entire season. Our target was the league. But it has to be said that there have been some big absences as well. What is more, Serie A is a long competition with a lot of games. The Europa League has a group stage, yes, but then it is into straight knockout matches. I think there is a difference there. When the competition is longer, it can happen that a few false steps hurt.”

Have you ever thought about adding an Italian coach to your staff?

“I never thought about that. Never.”

Roma seem to play differently in Europe, with more freedom. How will you make them focus on Bologna tomorrow, and not the return leg with Ajax on Thursday?

“We are thinking game by game. Right now it is important we have to be thinking about the game against Bologna.”

Walter Sabatini, the Bologna director, said in an interview that you deserve to stay at the club.

“I haven’t seen that interview. I thank him for those words, but I don’t want to comment on something I haven’t seen.”

Is it true that your future has already been decided?

“My future is not important. I am focused on the present. And the most important thing right now is Roma.”

How are Jordan Veretout and Henrikh Mkhitaryan? Will Chris Smalling be back to face Ajax?

“It will be tough to have Smalling with us against Ajax. Micki has trained with the group today, but he won’t start the game tomorrow. We will have to see tomorrow how Veretout is.”

Will Javier Pastore get a chance?

“Pastore has been out for a long time. I think that he needs to come back and play when the time is right, in the right context and setting. But he already knows my thoughts.”

Can you explain the number of leg injuries you’ve had?

“I don’t think it’s just been a problem for Roma, but for all teams – because of all the games being played between the league, the cups and the national teams. The calendar is always packed with matches.

"Right now I think you are seeing more injuries because there are so many games to play. And that’s an issue that we need to be talking about. I have always said it; the players are not machines.”

Right now would it make sense to focus exclusively on one competition?

“No, we can’t think anything other than that the next match is the most important one. We are focusing on Bologna.”

Why does Italian football struggle to trust young players?

“I think it’s both a cultural issue and a competition one. Serie A is one of the top leagues in the world. In the Netherlands, for example, they have an obligation to develop their young players. Here in Italy it is a bit different. At Roma we have a few young players; Kumbulla, Calafiori, Ibanez, Mancini, Villar.”

Tomorrow you face a side that takes a lot of shots, like Roma does.

“It will be a tough game, but we are focused on all aspects of the opposition, not just one threat or area of strength. We know they are an aggressive side, with some quality players.”

How are Davide Santon and Bryan Reynolds – could they play tomorrow?

“They will both be in the squad, they are ready to be involved. We will see tomorrow.”