Juric’s press conference before Athletic Club clash

Here's what our coach had to say...

You have three games to play in a week. What sort of rotation are you planning? Can we expect to see Manu Kone and Matias Soule?

“We still have to decide and we have another training session tomorrow morning, We'll certainly make a few changes, but we haven't decided who yet.”

This is your first game in European competition. How does it feel? Do you want to make an appeal to the fans after their protest on Sunday?

“We're preparing for the game in the same way. We're not changing anything – the concepts are the same. I don't feel anything particular. It's like playing against any other team. The fans will get behind the team as always. If we play like we did the other day, I'm sure we'll get the right support.”

What do you think you can achieve at Roma?

“In all honesty, I hope to win against Athletic Bilbao tomorrow. I'm thinking about preparing for the game, trying to make the right choices. That's all I'm thinking about – my full focus is on this game, nothing more.”

How's Paulo Dybala? Might he be rested for this match? 

“This is something we need to be very careful about. We have a fantastic team of fitness coaches here. He's recovered well from Sunday's game but we need to assess things. When he's fit and on form, he's a special player. We'll try to make sure he can play the whole season and not get injured. We'll choose game by game.”

Have the owners told you to prioritise any competitions in particular? Is Serie A the main target?

“We haven't discussed that. We haven't spoken about it.”

And I guess you don't have a priority personally?

“I want the team to keep playing like the other day. I want to get to know the squad and figure out what I can give these players. We'll prepare for each game as it comes and see how it goes.”

What's your initial impression of the squad after a week at Roma? And do you think Kone can do a job at both ends of the field?

“We have an excellent squad. I'd like to be able to use 20 players and be satisfied. Obviously, we're not going to be perfect, but that's fine. Kone is an excellent player, a talented player who is hungry for success. I'm sure he'll improve in lots of areas. He has plenty of qualities. We'll have a good season together.”

Matias Soule was one of the club's big signings this summer. How is he? Do you see him more as a trequartista or a player who can cover the entire flank?

“I see him as a trequartista. He can go wide but I don't really see him covering the entire flank. I think it's been a big step up for him. He's very professional and hard-working. He'll get his chances.”

Could Nicola Zalewski make the squad? And does Saud Abdulhamid have the qualities to make the right-back berth his own?

“Regarding the first question, no. As for the second, I agree with what Daniele said: Saud will need a bit of time. He has the right qualities – pace and stamina – but he's taken a huge step up. He's working well. He'll get opportunities and he'll do well.”

How is Lorenzo Pellegrini? He didn't train today. How does he seem mentally after Sunday's protest?

“He won't be involved tomorrow. He was doubtful for the previous game but wanted to make it at all costs. However, he felt a bit of pain in his knee. He's trained separately and I hope he'll be ok for the next game. He looks good. The lads have been working with a smile and there's a good atmosphere. I'm happy with him and all the others. The last game has given us a lot of confidence.”

You've often used a trequartista when you play teams with 4-2-3-1. I'm not asking specifically about tomorrow's game but in general: Could Bryan Cristante play in the position he did under Gian Piero Gasperini or do you see him only as a central midfielder?

“I see him more as a central midfielder. He's a tidy player who dictates the play and understands what's happening on the pitch. I don't really see him further forward. There are other midfielders who might be more suited to playing in the role you're suggesting.”

Do you see Angelino more as a wing-back or in the back three?

“He can play in both positions. I really liked the way he played the other day. He defended superbly. He's very aggressive but is excellent with the ball at his feet. He's very good in the back three but can play as wing-back too. He can happily do either.”

Does he remind you of any players you've coached before? 

“[Federico] Dimarco.”

How long will it be before we see Mats Hummels on the pitch?

“Not long, I hope. He's not at his best yet but he looks like a very positive player. Including the way he acted during the game. He's slotted into the dressing room with a bit of an aura. We've done some training and I'm sure we'll see him out there before long.”