Luis Enrique focused on EL aim

By Football Italia staff

Luis Enrique has refused to reveal his future plans at Roma. “Qualifying for the Europa League is what matters.”

Speculation suggests that the Spaniard intends to leave the Stadio Olimpico outfit in the summer after a problematic first year in charge of the side.

However, speaking ahead of Saturday’s match with Catania, he insisted that his side’s objective for the remainder of the campaign was of more importance.

“I’ll talk about the game against Catania, not about my future,” he stated. “We’re still on course to qualify for the Europa League.

“We’ve been chasing Europa League qualification for some time and that is the only important thing right now.

“It won’t be easy because every time we get close to that target, we haven’t done well. But we are still in with a chance and that is the only thing that interests me.”

Enrique has been backed by the club all season, but the fans have started to turn in recent weeks after previously showing their patience.

“When I arrived I was told to make my players work hard and show that I had courage,” continued the former Barcelona B boss.

“But every time that I made a decision which the fans or the journalists didn’t like, such as leaving out Daniele De Rossi or Francesco Totti, a big deal was made of it.

“Who sees training? I do. Who picks the team? I do.

“The strength of this club is the passionate support. I’m faithful to the cause and I supported the players even when they didn’t deserve that. But, at times, people exaggerate.”

Pressed again on his future, the former midfielder admitted that he will have crunch talks at some stage this month.

“The meeting with the club at the end of the season will be important, as well as the one with the players.

“The club have known my ideas for a long time, I have given everything, I have given 100 per cent even if, at times, that wasn’t enough.”

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