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Here’s what the Frenchman had to say…
How many coaches are on the club’s shortlist? Is Roberto Mancini among them?
“We were keen to issue an official statement. Now is the time to think calmly and to make the best decisions. I must first mention [Ivan] Juric – he came to the club during a tough period, but he and his staff gave their all from the very first day. The club would like to thank him. However, now it’s time to reflect, calm down and make the best decisions in the interest of the club.”
Do you think there was a disconnect between Juric's footballing identity and the characteristics of Roma’s players?
“It’s true to say that Ivan’s style of football is very ambitious and very demanding from a physical point of view. However, this isn’t the time to cling to excuses and to offer tactical analysis. As I said, the coach did his best and was a top professional from day one - he joined the club in a difficult situation. We’re in a predicament and we must take our responsibilities. We would also like to apologise to the fans, who are suffering a lot right now. We are all responsible for this situation.”
As for the sense of responsibility towards the fans, what are your thoughts on the kind of coach you’ll bring in? Should fans expect the season to get back on track right away, or are you thinking about starting a completely new long-term project, meaning the Roma faithful will have to hold firm and be patient?
“I think that it’s difficult to give an answer to this question right now, in the heat of the moment. In the long term, both the Friedkins’ and our fans share the same goal - to triumph. As such the owners will continue to invest as they have always done so far. Now is the time to steer our way through this difficult situation. I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition’, because we’re Roma and we have an immediate obligation to get results.”
In hindsight, was it wrong to fire Daniele De Rossi?
“As I said, right now we have to take our responsibilities and try to get out of this situation. Me, the players and the club.”
Imperium Partners
Centurion Partners
