Venezia head coach Eusebio Di Francesco addressed the media ahead of their upcoming match against Roma at the Stadio Penzo. The press conference focused on recent transfer market activities, team updates, and the challenge posed by Claudio Ranieri’s side.
When asked about his satisfaction with the transfer market and expectations for the upcoming match, Di Francesco responded:
“The director has spoken about the market. I don’t handle negotiations or hold the purse strings in market dynamics. I don’t want to discuss it further. The director tried to bring in the most suitable players, and now the field will provide answers as we see the growth of those who have arrived. The January market is difficult; integrating new players is never easy. Verona had an incredible second half of the season last year, and I hope we can repeat that journey. There’s work to be done, and time is tight. Regarding Roma: they’re a solid team with a very experienced coach. They’ll try to win, but we’ll play our game and won’t back down, as we’ve always tried to do. If we don’t lower our error rate, it gets tough. We need to do better in this aspect.”
Addressing the departure of key player Pohjanpalo to Palermo, Di Francesco commented:
“I don’t think this was evident in Udine; we played our game, but as I said, we need to make fewer mistakes. Regarding Pohja, I believe he would have liked to stay, but what was presented to him was attractive and stimulating, so he decided accordingly. If someone has other desires, it’s right to accommodate them. He was always an exemplary professional, but these things are part of football. Once there were club legends, now it’s normal; there are opportunities that need to be taken.”
On the topic of potential signings that didn’t materialize, Di Francesco stated:
“There were targets, as the director said, and I’d be foolish to say I didn’t like them, but we went in a different direction. I tell the fans that now we need to be even more united. We’d all like to have more star players, but sometimes young players can give you that something extra for the battle we have to fight.”
Regarding new arrivals Maric and Fila, the coach noted:
“Fila has some language issues. He has potential, attacks space, has desire. In the end, the ball speaks, and that’s what’s important. He can give us a big hand. Maric also has excellent technique; he’s a player with different characteristics from Pohja, who was a penalty area animal, a predator. Gytkjaer has stayed and is eager and motivated.”
On the injury front, Di Francesco provided an update:
“We should recover Duncan and Sagrado as soon as possible, but they’re still sidelined. Oristanio? He’s improving, regaining his sharpness.”
