Roma director Mauro Baldissoni assured “confidence is essential” in the Champions League play-off with Porto, but won’t cry over Miralem Pjanic.
The first leg kicks off at the Estadio do Dragao at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Follow the action and give your views on our LIVEBLOG.
Roma director Mauro Baldissoni assured “confidence is essential” in the Champions League play-off with Porto, but won’t cry over Miralem Pjanic.
The first leg kicks off at the Estadio do Dragao at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Follow the action and give your views on our LIVEBLOG.
“Optimism is subjective, but confidence is essential because we have a great squad, Coach and staff who are ready to get the best out of these players. We certainly do not lack quality,” director Baldissoni told Mediaset Premium.
“We consider the squad to be complete, as the Coach said yesterday, both tactically and in terms of personnel. The transfer window closes fairly soon and is made up of choices, so the club will choose what is opportune to improve – if possible – the standard of an already strong squad.”
A video was released this week showing the squad in their locker room, arm in arm, shouting they would play, fight and die for Roma.
“It is wonderful to see these images, as they create emotions and fight for each other. It’s not rhetoric, it’s a way of bonding the team and transferring those emotions on to the pitch and towards the stands.
“These are professionals with an undoubted history and quality. If you look at Edin Dzeko’s goal-scoring record throughout his career, there can be no doubts.”
Baldissoni was also asked about Pjanic’s move to Juventus, activating the release clause. Unlike Napoli with Gonzalo Higuain, the club tried not to publicly accuse him of being a ‘traitor.’
“We are a professional club and the players are professionals. They therefore have the right to activate the clauses that are negotiated during contractual talks and these are accepted by all sides.
“We certainly don’t have time to cry or regret those who have made other choices.”