As Roma gets ready for their Europa League match against Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday, Tommaso Baldanzi spoke to Sky Sport 24 before the pre-match press conference with manager Ivan Juric.
Baldanzi started by reacting to the recent remarks from Italian national team coach Luciano Spalletti: “Spalletti’s words are very pleasing. I’ve started well, and I’m working hard. I hope to keep improving and convince him to include me in the national team.” He also shared his joy for his friend Pisilli’s debut with the national team.
Looking ahead to the match against Dynamo Kyiv, Baldanzi emphasized the importance of earning three points: “We lost points in Sweden where we could have done better. We need the three points for our European campaign, and we’re keen to play a great game.”
When asked about the differences between former manager De Rossi and current boss Juric, Baldanzi highlighted the importance of adapting: “Every coach has their own ideas and concepts. We must believe in his ideas. We always need to strive to do better.”
Commenting on the team’s recent league performance, Baldanzi said: “To resolve the lapses in concentration, the only way is through training. On Sunday, we played a great game against what is the strongest team in the championship, and we lost due to specific incidents.”
Roma manager Juric: “We lack a winning mentality”
Following their loss to Inter in the most recent league match, Roma will look to bounce back in their Europa League encounter with Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday. In the new format, the Giallorossi are still seeking their first win, having drawn one and lost one in the first two matchdays, leaving them with just one point, tied with six other teams. Ahead of the match at the Olimpico, Roma’s manager Ivan Juric addressed the media at a press conference.
Juric discussed the team’s mentality, saying, “We haven’t yet decided on substitutions. It won’t be a massive turnover, but I think I’ll change something. Mancini didn’t finish training because he had a fever.” He stressed the importance of improvement, adding, “We’ve had some positive performances, but at this moment we don’t have a winning mentality. It’s not the mentality of Roma, and perhaps not even of a team smaller than ours. Here, we have everything we need to work well; the rest are excuses.”
The manager is looking for more from his players: “I expect a greater willingness from the players to get out of this moment. Matches like those against Monza or Elfsborg are no longer acceptable.” Juric acknowledged improvements in their gameplay but emphasized the need for the right mentality: “We’ve made important steps forward in our play, but mentality is trained during practice sessions.” He added, “I’m happy to see my players grow, but we’re not yet at the level this team deserves. The results are not sufficient; now we need to push and show what we’re made of.”
Juric spoke highly of Hermoso, saying, “He’s a great professional and in very good condition. I’ve always chosen between him and Angelino, who I see very much in that role, but it doesn’t mean he can’t also play as a midfielder.” When asked about Baldanzi, Juric confirmed, “He’ll play tomorrow; it’s not a change.”
Responding to speculation about his position, Juric stated, “I talk to the director every day. Like me, he sees positive and negative things. I lack nothing here; there’s a perfect situation, and finding excuses would be weak. The organization and the training center are top-notch; we just need to win.” He ended by highlighting the club’s ambitions: “The club wants to go to the Champions League. The Europa League and the Italian Cup can give us a lot of joy.”
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