Luciano Spalletti says that while Roma “are stronger” than Astra Giurgiu, “there’s always the need to put it into practice”.

Astra famously sent West Ham United packing in the Europa League playoffs both at the beginning of this season and last, and Spalletti made it clear he had done his homework on Roma’s upcoming opponents.

“Astra are a team that have won their last two games,” the Coach said at a Press conference for Thursday’s game.

Luciano Spalletti says that while Roma “are stronger” than Astra Giurgiu, “there’s always the need to put it into practice”.

Astra famously sent West Ham United packing in the Europa League playoffs both at the beginning of this season and last, and Spalletti made it clear he had done his homework on Roma’s upcoming opponents.

“Astra are a team that have won their last two games,” the Coach said at a Press conference for Thursday’s game.

“In all walks of football, there’s a certain enthusiasm, and they’re a team in [good] physical and mental health.

“Their Coach has had a particular career, he’s often changed team and knows how to organise situations.

“He also knows change his formation. He plays with three at the back and has also played with four.

“They are a club who won the League last season and have internationals. Alibec’s an interesting striker, he’s not signed for Steaua but seems that he will.

“He’s having an important spell and physically strong. He has numbers for not only sending teammates inside but also finishing off moves.

“I think they’re here to play a waiting game. They’ll then try to exploit the chance that may befall them.

“It becomes even more dangerous because they won’t give us any space and will try to push on once they recover the ball.

“Roma are stronger than them, but there’s always the need to put it into practice.

Roma’s 3-1 defeat to Torino over the weekend was their second Serie A loss in three games. amidst growing murmurs of discontent among fans, which Spalletti did not turn a blind eye to.

“The team are sorry for their performance. When you lose, you hear it all in your head,” he added.

“You have to be careful when doing your analysis. It should be in depth, but it doesn’t have to instil fear.

“There were signs in the past when the team became afraid and then suffered.

“The crowd isn’t happy with our game and results at the moment. I want to be the one that does the delving but without burdening the team physically and mentally.

“In these 36-48 hours before the game, you have to lighten the load, otherwise you risk getting hurt.

“Other concepts will be explored after the game, but the lads are aware. We’re professionals, we have to behave flawlessly as a given. The lads are aware and want to put things right.

“Clearly our elimination from the Champions League is one of the hardest things to discard, but going back to it means taking a step back.

“I’d like to look to the future because that’s where I’ll spend the rest of my life, and my ability to stay in Rome is based on our future results.

“I’m not disappointed by my players. If I was disappointed by them, the first disappointment would be in myself because I chose them.

“I believe in them and will do for as long as I’m here. They’re my team, so any result depends on my decisions.

“I believe in this team, I’ve seen that they have footballing quality, both physically and mentally.

“Some are different ages and perhaps less mature, so sometimes references are made to this for improvement.

“We’re a strong team in all respects, and we’ll remain strong for as long as I’m at Roma.”

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