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Strootman, Kluivert, Cristante: key points from Di Francesco's Press Conference

On Sunday afternoon, coach Eusebio Di Francesco sat down with the assembled media to preview the Serie A clash against Atalanta.

The two sides will meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening, with both sides looking to build on wins over the opening weekend.

Roma v Atalanta will be your 200th match as a coach in Serie A. How do you feel about that?

"If I hadn't seen it written about I wouldn't have even known. It's a great milestone but one that always needs to be improved upon. I hope it is something we can celebrate and that Roma can win."

What errors will you want to avoid, compared to last year's contest at the Olimpico?

"That match was seven months ago, so I'm not sure how much sense it makes to think about that. Atalanta have played seven competitive matches - they know what they're trying to do and have an excellent coach."

Will Kevin Strootman be in the squad? What do you think about the ongoing talk about his future?

"The parties involved are making those assessments. I will see how he is in training today and we'll assess his psychological condition. We had a similar situation involving Edin Dzeko in the past. Regardless of his mental state, I think he'll be in the squad. You will see the squad that is picked and you'll understand the decision we've made."

Strootman played 90 minutes against Torino. Did you expect that he could be sold?

"This subject cannot be more important than the game tomorrow. He's an important player but I don't like talking about individuals. There are things that you need to do together and this decision is one of those things. We have a lot of midfielders and each one will make their own assessment of the situation. You know that for me, the strength of the team is more important than that of individuals."

How can a player go from being a starter to one that could be sold, with the market for incoming players now closed?

"I made a decision in central midfield. There were lots of players who deserved to play - I knew I could have selected differently but there will be other games. I want to make sure they all feel important. Some decisions need to be looked at across the board, involving the player, the club and my own thoughts. I haven't spoken at all with the player - I'll speak to him today. He is a Roma player. Talks are happening, but the decision must be made together. I'm the coach and the priority is the team."

Could playing Javier Pastore on the left of a front three be another option?

"That's something that I am looking at. That's no surprise - we knew he could play there. When wide of a midfield trio he was involved more behind the forwards than a traditional central midfielder. Javier Pastore has excellent technical qualities, can dribble and assist, but we didn't see much of that against Torino. He knows that. We're expecting more quality from him and he can get there with more game time."

Are you asking different questions of the team, in terms of the specific nature of roles on the pitch?

"To have more quality in the team, you need players with specific technical attributes, and Pastore and Ante Coric are two players that offer that. I've seen a lot of trequartistas become wide forwards. You can start in one role and then make a decisive contribution in another area of the pitch. What I'm trying to do is get more quality into the team, so we can capitalise on the play we produce.

"Nicolo Zaniolo can play wide of a midfield three. Do you remember Simone Perrotta? He was a holding midfielder but then became an excellent trequartista - not so much with technical quality but an ability to make runs forward. I'm also trying to involve players that can produce a good final ball."

Where can Roma finish in the league? What would constitute a great season?

"It's too early to say. We've worked together at length over the summer and I'm hopeful that we have a lot of room for growth. Pastore, for example, made lots of errors and you might think he didn't put much running in last week. However, up until the 75th minute he ran more than anyone else and did so in the right way. What we've not seen from this player so far is what he does best, but I'm convinced we'll see it very soon."

Bryan Cristante's arrival sped up Roma's play against Torino. Could he start the game against Atalanta?

"He's in great physical condition. We really wanted to bring him here - he can play to the left or the right of a midfield trio. He can also play in the number 10 role in a 4-2-3-1. He can give us a great deal, with his physicality and his forward runs. He will almost certainly start the game tomorrow."

Is Justin Kluivert ready to start a game?

"He's ready - whether it means starting or coming off the bench. He needs to improve but he's adapting very well to the football here, beginning with his application in training. I know he's someone I can turn to, either as a sub or a starter. He's one of the players in contention for a starting place."

Is Kluivert the player most ready to take the right-sided forward role?

"Currently he's the player that's adapting best. Stephan El Shaarawy has performed well there in the past, but I see Kluivert as the alternative to Cengiz Under at the moment. He has different qualities - he's good at attacking in behind, less so between the lines."
Source: As Roma
Sunday August 26, 2018
 
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