Fonseca on expectations, targets, transfer business and more

Here are a few excerpts from the Portuguese tactician, as he discussed the January transfer window, how he finds life in Rome, and so much more…

Fonseca on… his relationship with the fans and the president

“I feel there is a strong, warm support from fans, the support they show is impressive. They are fantastic. All coaches would want this support.

"It’s true that the president is not here physically, but he is informed every day to know how the squad is going. Nowadays football is changing, there are many examples around the world of clubs whose presidents live in other countries. I don’t think this constitutes a problem for Roma or influences our work. Pallotta is not here, but we feel his presence.”

Fonseca on… his famous phone calls with potential signings

“All those I spoke with [on the phone] came [to the club]. One hundred per cent. I believe that a footballer should know what a coach thinks of him and how he intends to insert him within a squad. For me it’s also important to know if a player is motivated to come here."

Fonseca on… expectations around the club

“I don’t think it’s right to create great expectations. It’s better to live with a sense of reality. We are at the beginning of a pathway. There is a new coach, a new sporting director, many players have come and many have left. I am satisfied with how things are going, but it would be wrong to create this pressure.

"It’s not worth it to aim at long term goals, when the next match is always the most difficult. Especially here in Italy where the squad at the bottom of the table can beat the one at the top. At any rate, I am aware that Roma are improving.

“I am very happy with the squad and with Serie A. Of course the league is very hard. There are strong squads and coaches, each match is different but offers strong motivation. By nature I am an optimist and think that 2020 can be better than 2019.”

Fonseca on… fighting racism in football

“I am against any form of racism and think that together we should defeat this problem. Roma is in the forefront in this sense, but we all have to fight together to defeat any sort of discrimination.”

Fonseca on… the targets this season

“The primary target remains to finish among the first four to make it to the Champions League. Having said this, I haven't changed my mind: by strengthening this squad, I believe that within my contract we can win something.

"Of course, even now we are playing to win. The Coppa Italia is not easy, we have to face Parma, then maybe Juve, but we will try. The Europa League has become a sort of mini-Champions League, with all the squads present, and we will not neglect it either.”

Fonseca on… the quality in Serie A

“Juventus have incredible players, but Inter also have strong players: I am thinking of Lautaro Martinez, for example. Lazio has [Ciro] Immobile. In Italy, there are technically strong players also in the smaller squads. Cagliari is the revelation of the league.”

Fonseca on… January transfer business

“January is a difficult market. Any new players must improve the roster, so it’s not easy. We will get someone in if some players leave, to raise the bar.”

Fonseca on… life in Rome

“I am in love with Rome and when you are in love you only see the positive aspects, you don’t even notice there are negative aspects. In my eyes the city is perfect, it’s beautiful - even though I haven’t had the chance to discover it all. I love the Romans. I love going out, talking walks and people are always very affectionate. I live near St. Peters. I always wanted to live near the center to better enjoy the city. Knowing the history of a place is very important. I am very satisfied with my choice.

“Our results always influence our life, but aside from the city, I would like to stay with a club that makes me feel at home. Roma is one of the most important clubs in the world. I would like to stay here for a long time.”