Fonseca: 'Never a defensive Roma'

By Football Italia staff

Paulo Fonseca made his Roma debut with a 3-3 draw against Genoa, but insists he will “never prepare a game by concentrating on defending.”

The Giallorossi certainly got off to an entertaining start to this season, but were leading three times only to be pegged back by Genoa.

“When a team concedes goals, it’s not just the fault of the defenders,” insisted the Coach in his Press conference.

“Getting on to the rebounds and second balls was important in this game and we didn’t do that properly. It was a strong start, but after Genoa’s first goal, we struggled to deal with long balls and they ran into open play.

“We improved in the second half, but conceded a goal that we really weren’t expecting. These are things that we need to improve.”

Fonseca had said Roma needed more reinforcements, specifically a centre-back to replace Kostas Manolas.

“As I’ve already said, I have faith in my players. It is well known that we are looking for a centre-back and hope to get him by the end of the transfer market, but he can’t just be anyone. We need a player who adds value or there’s no point.”

Roma already go into next weekend’s showdown with arch rivals Lazio, who this evening won 3-0 away to Sampdoria.

“We study our opponents, of course, but I am focused more on how my own team plays. We will counter certain Lazio strengths, but without losing sight of our own identity.

“I will never prepare a game by concentrating on defending. I want a team that dominates and always takes the initiative.”

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