Coach Luciano Spalletti says Roma's 'number one enemy' is excuses, whilst praising Stephan El Shaarawy: 'He can resolve games on his own'.
The 56-year-old's return to the capital is being hailed as a second coming as the team's 3-1 victory over Empoli sealed the sixth consecutive win in Serie A.
Coach Luciano Spalletti says Roma's 'number one enemy' is excuses, whilst praising Stephan El Shaarawy: 'He can resolve games on his own'.
The 56-year-old's return to the capital is being hailed as a second coming as the team's 3-1 victory over Empoli sealed the sixth consecutive win in Serie A.
“I haven't encountered many differences compared to my first experience here,” Spalletti told Roma Radio. “I was expecting new talking points, but in the end people always say the same things about the environment.
“The notion has spread that you can't work here. That's an excuse and it's our number one enemy. Here we have all the qualities required to work well.
“We must take responsibility and make the best of this great privilege, while imposing our stile, ruzzando,” he said, using a dialect term which means to joke around or flirt.
“We're still not solid psychologically, which is the difference between a winner and a hypothetical winner.
“Without dialogue you don't get to know each other. People can doubt the things that you say, but not what you do.
“Having had little time, it was easier to make a dent on the psychological aspect of the team than on the physical one. If you work as a team, you can make it through the moments of difficulty.”
The Tuscan Coach then discussed El Shaarawy, who seems to have finally found his form with the Giallorossi.
“I don't want to hear talk of indispensable players. He is a talent. He has technique, creativity and speed. And he can resolve games on his own.
“He's an excellent lad, simple and sometimes different than he seems from the outside. It's important for him to show character in the things he does.”