Luis Enrique admits the Roma players “still don’t understand what I want. We’re not trying to play like Barcelona, but I’m very happy and could stay here for 10 years.”

The Spanish tactician has struggled to find consistency with his side, who were beaten 2-1 by Milan last week and face a difficult push for Europe.

“The players still don’t understand what I want, because football is not mathematics,” he said in his press conference.

Luis Enrique admits the Roma players “still don’t understand what I want. We’re not trying to play like Barcelona, but I’m very happy and could stay here for 10 years.”

The Spanish tactician has struggled to find consistency with his side, who were beaten 2-1 by Milan last week and face a difficult push for Europe.

“The players still don’t understand what I want, because football is not mathematics,” he said in his press conference.

“I live the match with intensity and if I see a detail that does not convince me, then I get angry. Off the field you notice things that you probably wouldn’t from inside it.

“We are not trying to play like Barcelona, as they have characteristics that adapt to their players. The tactical scheme that brings you to victory is to play as close as possible to your opponent’s goal.”

However, one of the main problems with the Giallorossi is that they struggle to score goals, despite all their possession.

“What interests me more is that we create scoring opportunities. Of course it’s disappointing when we don’t take them, but our playing system does involve risks and we welcome them. I am very happy at Roma and could stay here for 10 years.”

They play relegation battlers Novara in the Sunday lunchtime kick-off, 11.30am UK time.

“Our job is to win this match and it won’t be easy at an unusual time, so we must be mentally prepared. I am not worried by our opponents so much as my own team, as without the right mentality we’ll make Novara even more dangerous.

“I hope to have Francesco Totti and Miralem Pjanic at my disposal. It is unfair to criticise Totti over the performance against Milan, as he remains a reference point for us.

“Bojan is important and can become a great player, but I can see that in Italy people expect too much from youngsters. He will have his opportunities and I’m happy with the way he trains, but I always demand more.”

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