As Roma prepare to face Venezia in their upcoming Serie A match, manager Ivan Juric expressed confidence in his squad during a pre-match press conference. The Croatian coach reflected on the team’s recent performance against Atletico Bilbao and provided updates on key players.
Juric addressed the team’s performance against Atletico Bilbao, noting, “The summary is that we ran more in the second half than in the first, which means it has nothing to do with physical condition. Games change, you can’t dominate teams like that for all ninety minutes.” He emphasized that Roma needs to improve their possession in certain situations, as they have the capability to do so.
Regarding the team’s mentality, Juric stated, “My feeling is extremely positive because it seems to me that the players are very involved, that they are enjoying themselves. I have the feeling that they want to play as soon as possible.”
On the topic of Lorenzo Pellegrini’s fitness, Juric praised the captain’s attitude: “He has exceptional behavior. He has worked separately all these days, today he wants to try training with the group. He has a great desire to play, extremely so.”
Discussing new signings, Juric mentioned that Mats Hummels will play as soon as possible but needs time to regain full fitness. He also spoke about young player Dahl, saying, “He’s a young boy that we need to evaluate well.”
Addressing injury concerns, Juric assured that Celik and Dybala are not seriously injured: “They have nothing, there are no lesions, but any other type of problem.”
The coach also touched on his relationship with sporting director Ghisolfi: “We are communicating a lot, as it should be between director and coach, sharing everything. He welcomed me very well, it’s a very professional relationship that also goes towards the human.”
Regarding midfielder Le Fée, Juric said, “He seemed to be ready, then he still feels something and I hope at least from next week he will be with the team. I see him as a midfielder, he has the characteristics that I think a midfielder should have.”
On Abdulhamid, Juric noted, “He has the right characteristics of aggression and speed, physical qualities, but it’s clear that he’s entering another world and it takes time.”
Finally, speaking about the midfield, Juric expressed his excitement about Koné and Pisilli: “They generally intrigue me a lot, both in terms of characteristics and what I’ve seen in these ten days. The desire to grow and improve is fundamental.”
