The former Atalanta coach was unveiled today by Roma as their new coach of the local media and he admits that he has chosen the Giallorossi prior to an offer from Juventus.
Your relationship with the Friedkins and goals?
“I spoke with (Claudio) Ranieri, he explained everything that has happened in recent years. The Friedkins are enthusiastic about Roma, I don't know if it shows, but they spend a lot of time there and his ambitious.
“They identified the opportunity to build something in me, we spoke and we know the difficulties on the market.
“The ownership is strong, they want to invest sustainably and bring Roma back to the top.”
Rome's pressure?
“You all warn me, but busy is also strength. I see enthusiasm and desire to achieve goals. Everything must be channeled in the best way, if there have been problems in recent years, it must be corrected to make Rome more competitive.
“If Napoli won the Scudetto and PSG to the top of Europe, this means that the results can be achieved. To achieve them, you have to build in the right way. You also want the best in Rome, if we can do that, we are stronger.”
Should we create a feeling among the fans?
“It has always been, what is important, the results are. We should think that we can do something good, increase the level. If I start with what Claudio has done, it was extraordinary, he has shown that the team is fundamental than the individuals.
“This is a value to start and maintain to get the best.
“The program from here to 10 years cannot be done, we have to be concrete. We start from one point to grow the team. The rest is as a result.”
Do you hope to change Dybala for the better?
“I hope he is always good, for him as for many others. There is a team vision that must be very clear where everyone pushes in the same direction. Then there are the individuals we will try to improve.
“If you increase the level of everyone, the team will enjoy it. This has always been part of my journey.
“The objectives are clear, there are no unsuitable players. We have to give them a good feeling.”
What do you expect from this season?
“It would be best to qualify for the Champions League, it's too early for the Scudetto. I want to make the team stronger, with international players and a hard core in the group.
“This will lead us to deal with players that we cannot afford in the future. Now I hope, with a solid foundation in the group, also with young players. This can be the power.”
What has changed compared to the experience at Inter?
“I have to give important signals to grab people and get them by your side, to give them an identity. This is the greatest ambition, the synergy between team and fans. Only in this way can you overcome the difficulties, the championship is difficult with emerging and rising teams.
“There is a race for the Champions League to create a gap with the rivals. When you enter a place like Rome, you have to do it strongly: with a team that you follow and a strong environment. Only in this way can you improve.”
Is there anyone who can be sacrificed? I think of Leandro Paredes …
“Let's start with what we have, given the results and the spirit shown. We can't be the same, it's normal for me to expect an incoming market that can bring improvements and increase the level. I also expect a solid foundation in the group. It is all part of a mix. I hope that Roma can have figures that can take it higher.”
What characteristics are you looking for?
“Players often have to be built in -house and take upcoming profiles to help them grow. To become a team at the highest level, they must be international players, of content and value. This is the program, even with players who come up today.
“I think of Mancini and Cristante, who are internationals today.
“These guys must have the goal of having the best possible season. This is not the time to settle, even if you are 22 or 30. This must be the mind. I start from a strong base, thanks to Claudio. With him there has been a change in results and performances. It is not enough to defend positions.”
What can you tell us about Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matias Soulé?
“They must have the mind to have the best season. Everyone loves Pellegrini who came in and scored goals. Soulé is a striker and you have to score and help goals.
“Today in modern football you also have to know how to defend, you have to be a team. What PSG has done is extraordinary, they have reached the top without champions, but boys cultivated from home.
“Napoli is also an example, Roma itself. These are the principles. Today, football is changing, you have to go abroad. Atalanta won the Europa League after 25 years, because no one has won the Champions League. We have to get rid of the clichés.”
Was there an offer from Juve?
“Yes, but I felt that Roma was the right choice for my career and for my way of playing football. This is what I am looking for, what I need. I am convinced that I made the right choice.”