Luciano Spalletti shrugged off Francesco Totti questions ahead of tomorrow’s showdown between Roma and Napoli.
It kicks off on Monday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Il Capitano came off the bench on Wednesday when they were losing 2-1 to Torino, but scored two goals in three minutes for a 3-2 victory.
Spalletti was asked if this game will be Totti’s penultimate Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico.
Luciano Spalletti shrugged off Francesco Totti questions ahead of tomorrow’s showdown between Roma and Napoli.
It kicks off on Monday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Il Capitano came off the bench on Wednesday when they were losing 2-1 to Torino, but scored two goals in three minutes for a 3-2 victory.
Spalletti was asked if this game will be Totti’s penultimate Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico.
“You have to do this question to (President James) Pallotta, he speaks English better than me,” replied the Coach in English.
“I’ve gone into this situation many times and don’t want to continue saying the same things. We are all up for debate, we all have an objective that we want to achieve. We go forward along this path.
“First of all, I am forced to deal with a rivalry that does not exist. I merely made the decisions that belong to my role. It’s something to be discussed at the end of the season.
“I will be very happy if next year Francesco does what he loves to do. I will be at his side as he seeks the role that he will have next year.
“I always made it clear and I feel monotonous saying it again, the issue of the contract renewal is between Pallotta and Francesco. We ought to have all our focus on this extraordinary Champions League objective.”
Totti released a statement yesterday pointing out his goals intend to “unite and not divide” his beloved Roma.
“I appreciated that message very much, it was the message of a real captain,” continued Spalletti. “Totti is a resource for us in whatever role he takes.”
Does it seem odd that the fans side with Totti rather than their Coach?
“I’d be amazed if it was any other way! With his history, it’s only right. At times I can seem too rigid, brusque and hard, but I always worked based on the principles of a Coach.
“Anyone too emotionally invested in a cause can lose sight of the overall issues and controlling a squad. I need everyone together and when I speak, I am also speaking about Totti.
“I have to help all the players grow their self-esteem, to feel important so we can get results.
“Just look at Claudio Ranieri, as he made Leicester City into a real team. I try to make my team feel strong. I am not here for rivalry, but for results, and you get that with a team.”