Zdenek Zeman blamed the state of the Tardini turf for Roma’s second consecutive defeat and defended his treatment of Daniele De Rossi.
Zdenek Zeman blamed the state of the Tardini turf for Roma’s second consecutive defeat and defended his treatment of Daniele De Rossi.
The Giallorossi once again dropped a lead to lose 3-2, this time on the rain-soaked pitch in Parma.
“Today the state of the pitch influenced the result. The puddles meant the ball got stuck at crucial moments during the Parma goals,” said the Coach.
“We had to always play it long and created some chances, but Parma ended up having an easy time defending. It’s a shame about this defeat.
“The first goal was the fault of Dodo feeling over-confident and Ishak Belfodil did well to take advantage, but it was a huge mistake.
“Can we get out of this moment? I continue to say we are a great team. We are just paying for the fact that we do not play well for the full 90 minutes.
“With a little good fortune and above all belief, we can prove that we know how to play football.”
Panagiotis Tachtsidis was suspended, but Zeman still chose Michael Bradley as central midfield ‘regista’ rather than De Rossi.
“De Rossi has never played in that position, so I do not understand all the controversy about this. De Rossi has never asked me to play in the middle either.
“Erik Lamela needs to be fired up a bit. He has talent, but too often does fancy footwork without finishing the chances. He can improve further.
“I do not have much patience, as I want everything and I want it now. The only way to get there is to work harder. I have faith.”