Zdenek Zeman criticised Daniele De Rossi for “feeling the derby too much” and getting himself sent off, then blamed the weather.
Zdenek Zeman criticised Daniele De Rossi for “feeling the derby too much” and getting himself sent off, then blamed the weather.
De Rossi was sent off for punching Stefano Mauri during the first half of Roma’s 3-2 defeat to Lazio.
“It was a shame about that gesture. We talked for two days about how we shouldn’t react or give the referee the opportunity to flash cards. When you feel the derby too much, you pay for that,” said Zeman.
This match was played under the driving rain, leaving large puddles on the pitch, and even had to stop for three minutes when floodlights failed.
“For the first 20 minutes the team played well, but once the pitch became impossible to play on then we had to stop, because we are incapable of playing the long ball game. We play close passing and quick movement, so don’t really know how to play that type of football.”
This was the second time in the last couple of weeks that the Giallorossi have played on a disastrous pitch, as they also lost 3-2 at Parma.
“Against Parma and now Lazio, the referee has allowed play to go on, though I did not see the right conditions to play. We have to make the most of a bad situation.
“A derby is a derby, it’s a shame we conceded three goals that were down more to bad luck than the talent of our opponents.
“The season isn’t over yet. You said that about Inter after a few weeks and they are back up there. I am convinced we can build a great team that plays good football and can cause problems for anyone.
“We have lost games due to silly mistakes or bad luck. I hope that luck will turn our way and that sooner or later it will go our way. Football is a game, so like all games luck does have an effect.
“Roma fans have always been close to Roma and suffered defeats, but remained attached to the club. Of course nobody is going to be happy with losing the derby, but it’s not as if they are going to become supporters of Lazio or any other club. I hope their bad mood will only last a week.”
Miralem Pjanic came off the bench and scored, reacting angrily with some claiming he was hurling abuse at Zeman.
“Pjanic has already spoken to Roma Channel and clarified what he said, that it was not aimed at me.”