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Federico Fazio has set his sights on playing for Roma for the rest of his career, while claiming that compatriot Javier Pastore is in his best shape since joining the club.
Fazio has been one of Roma's most-used defenders so far this season, at the start of his fourth full campaign with the club. The Argentine could add to his five league starts of 2019-20 on Sunday, when Roma travel to face Sampdoria - who have recently appointed former Giallorossi manager Claudio Ranieri, a coach under whom Fazio's form vastly improved last season. "Ranieri is a good manager with a lot of experience in football," Fazio told Sky Sport. "He’s arriving at a club who are going through a tough period, but given his experience, he can give them the motivation they need. We wish him well but we’ll greet him after the match: we want to win." Fazio is one of three Argentines in the squad, with the others, Diego Perotti and Javier Pastore, often having to combat fitness problems. But their teammate says both of the attacking midfielders are nearly ready to contribute again. "Diego returned to training last week, little by little he is picking up the pace to get back into the best shape possible. Pastore is always training hard, this is the best shape I’ve seen him in since he arrived." Another player with ties to Roma currently in Argentina is legendary former captain Daniele De Rossi, who is now playing for Boca Juniors. But when asked if he would follow his old teammate to the Argentine club, Fazio, 32, responded by pledging his future to Roma - with whom he signed a contract extension over the summer. "He’s doing well there and we hope they win against River Plate. I don’t know if I’ll finish my career there, I think I’ll finish it at Roma." Should Fazio start on Sunday, he will partner either Gianluca Mancini or Chris Smalling, with Paulo Fonseca yet to finalise his strongest centre-back partnership. However, Fazio says he is happy to play alongside either of them. "Playing right, left, with one player or another makes no difference. Smalling comes from the Premier League, which is different, Mancini is young and still has a lot ahead of him. I get along well with both." After the Sampdoria game, Roma will face Borussia Monchengladbach in the Europa League, a competition which fans have every right to be optimistic about the team's chances in. However, Fazio knows that, if they are to conquer the competition, Roma must take things one step at a time. "It’s a good competition - you can’t underestimate it. There’s already strong teams in it and then you’ll also have teams from the Champions League join. We have to continue calmly and slowly, let’s worry about winning the group first.
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Lorenzo Pellegrini has explained why he is starting to feel like a senior player in the group, having returned for pre-season with Roma.
Pellegrini, tipped by many to become the club's next vice-captain, returned later than some of his teammates due to his involvement with the Italy U21 side over the summer, but now he is back at Trigoria, he has relished the opportunity to get back to work. He told Roma Radio that his first impressions of the sessions under new coach Paulo Fonseca have been positive. “Very good indeed – I’ve enjoyed it very much,” he explained. “The training sessions are very intense. “I knew many of the new arrivals already and I’m getting to know the others now. I think we’re a nice group, with good lads. As a youngster you’re able to take certain things on board, which makes it easier out on the pitch. “I see [Fonseca] as a very direct person and that’s something I like. He tries to make you feel at ease, in order to communicate what he wants from you. I like the way he thinks about football. “Now we have some time to really push on, because we’ve only been working with him for a few weeks and it’ll take time to implement the football that he’s demanding. Nonetheless, the feeling within the squad is positive.” Pellegrini has returned to a Roma that is now far more well-stocked in his midfield position, following the signings of Amadou Diawara and Jordan Veretout, plus the apparent resurgence of Javier Pastore. But rather than viewing this as a hindrance, the 23-year-old is looking forward to the competition for places and how it may affect his role. “It’s not something we’re talking about at the moment because this is only the beginning, also because some players are behind and are therefore training to get back to top condition. We know that, like last year, there are a lot of games to be played and it would appear that playing in midfield will be very demanding, given the way the coach wants to play. So, we’ll all make ourselves available. “I think the attacking phase of play comes more naturally to me but I’m working hard to improve my defensive skills. I’d say I’m a central midfielder, a role where nowadays you need to know how to do everything, from the holding role to playing in behind the forwards.” Despite only being 23, Pellegrini is growing into a key leader in the squad, particularly given that he is one of the few remaining Romans at the club. And he revealed that he is eager to take on a role of more responsibility, especially helping out younger players in the team. “I try to give them support, because I know it’s not easy. It wasn’t easy for me when I went to cut my teeth at Sassuolo, so I need to try and help everyone, such as [Alessio] Riccardi and [Mirko] Antonucci, who have come through at Roma like I did and are now part of the squad and could well become excellent players.” Pellegrini is also keen to lift the morale of the team after a disappointing season, by reinforcing to the new arrivals that they can play a part in helping things improve. “We ‘older’ players are trying to get that message across and so are the staff and the coach. We’re doing good work and preparing the ground to have a very good season. I hope we don’t do worse than last season – we have to improve. “It was a tough campaign last time out, not just for us players but also for the club. We now just need to focus on working hard, playing football and winning games. "I can’t deny that we listen to the goings-on around us but we do need to stay out of that as much as we can and focus on our work – the staff are helping us a great deal in that respect.” All the latest Roma transfer news as pre-season begins and Gianluca Petrachi arrives, including updates on Nicolo Zaniolo, Elseid Hysaj and Javier Pastore.
Roma reject Juve's Zaniolo offer Italian midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus, and according to Gazzetta Dello Sport's Nicolo Schira, the first offer for the player has arrived. The Serie A champions offered €35m for the teenager, a price which Roma judged to be too low. Juve are expected to return with a fresh bid, undeterred. Striker bid scuppered According to Corriere Dello Sport, Roma are trying to beat Sampdoria to the signing of Dutch striker Sam Lammers, who scored 16 goals in 30 appearances for Heerenveen last season. Samp want full cash for Andersen One of the names tipped to replace Kostas Manolas if the Greek defender leaves Roma is Sampdoria's Joachim Andersen. However, La Repubblica say that the Giallorossi's offer of cash plus Gregoire Defrel and Davide Frattesi has been turned down by the Blucerchiati, who want a straight sum of €35m for the player. Roma consider Brazilian defender Another defender who could come in is Leo Pereira of Athletico Paranaense, who Calciomercato.it say is the subject of interest from Roma. The club have been quoted a price tag of €15m for the 23-year-old. Roma rival London duo for defender A third centre-back to be linked with the club is Saint-Ettiene's William Saliba, with L'Equipe claiming that the French outfit want between €25m and €30m for the teenager, who is also being tracked by Arsenal and Tottenham. Pastore responds to fan question When reporting back for his medical tests today, Javier Pastore was asked by a fan if he will stay next season. The attacking midfielder was caught on camera responding: "Yes, where do I go?" Veretout agent to bring another player to Roma Yesterday, a successful meeting took place between Roma and the agent of Fiorentina midfielder Jordan Veretout. With the player expected to make a decision shortly, another of the agent's clients, Elseid Hysaj, has been proposed to Roma. Corriere Dello Sport report that the Albanian is Roma's first choice target if Alessandro Florenzi leaves for Inter. Napoli play hard ball with Mertens Another move that is close to completion is that which will take Manolas to Napoli. Roma have been offered Dries Mertens in return, but the asking price will be €30m, say Leggo. Midfielder gives green light A third Napoli player linked with Roma is midfielder Amadou Diawara, who has given his approval to the move. Calciomercato.it say that he could earn €1.3m per season in the capital if the two clubs can reach an agreement.
Your weekly video update of Roma transfer rumours, as the Giallorossi set about meeting new coach Paulo Fonseca's needs.
Francesco Totti has confirmed his resignation from his role as a director at Roma, but insisted it was an "arrivederci", not a goodbye.
Totti has been a director since he retired from playing in 2017 - a decision that was made by the club rather than himself. However, he is now leaving that position as well, complaining that he was not given enough responsibilities. It means that, for the first time this century, Francesco Totti is no longer employed by AS Roma. At his farewell press conference - at which no other club officials were present - Totti confirmed the reasons for his departure. "It was not my fault because I never had the chance to express myself. I was never involved in a genuine technical project. In the first year, that can happen. In the second, I realised what I wanted to do and we never got together, never helped each other. "They knew my intentions and what I wanted to do, to give so much to this club and this team, but they never wanted me to, in all honesty. They excluded me from every decision. "Everyone knows they made me stop playing. They wanted me to stop. I had a six-year contract already as a director. I started quietly, realising it's a completely different sphere to being on the field. "Many promises were made and they were never kept. They knew what I wanted. Naturally, as time goes on, you judge, you evaluate, as I too have a character and don't just sit there doing what they every now and then ask me to do. "I did it for Roma, but as time wore on, I didn't think it fair to put myself at the disposal of people who never wanted me to be there. "The main focus of certain people has been to remove Romans from Roma. In the end, the truth came out, because they achieved what they wanted. "Over the last eight years, since the Americans came in, they tried in every possible way to shove us to one side. As the years went on, they tried everything they could... It's what they wanted and in the end, they succeeded." Totti also hit out at Franco Baldini, who has been advising James Pallotta on the club's decisions, with his viewpoints often at odds with the will of the fans. "The rapport with Franco Baldini has never existed and never will. If I made this decision, it's only normal that there were misunderstandings, problems within the club. "One of us had to go, I stepped aside because you can't have too many people sticking their oar in and causing chaos. Everyone should do their own job and leave the others to get on with their own work, that'd allow everything to run smoothly. "You can do all the talking you want from Trigoria, but the last word will always come from London. There was no point telling people what was wrong and what needed fixing, as it was a waste of time. Nobody listened, they just listened to the word from London." Another key club figure to bear the brunt of Totti's criticism was Pallotta. "A player can always find an excuse, as when things go badly, he says, 'Oh, there's no president here, nobody who tells us how things really are', and this causes problems for the squad every weekend. In my view, it does damage. "I've said before that the president needs to be present more, because when players, directors and staff see the chief, they stand to attention and work the way they ought to. When the boss isn't there, they start doing what they want." The former captain then gave some insight into what role he would have liked to take on. "If I made this decision, then it means I was unable to do anything. I never felt a part of the project, above all on the technical level. Not to big myself up, but I think I have a good eye to see who is a good player and who isn't. "I don't want to do other things, because this is what I feel that I'm good at. With my experience, and I admit I'll make mistakes, but I can recognise talent in a player." Even though Totti admitted he was not saying goodbye to Roma forever, he confirmed that he will not be returning as long as Pallotta is in charge. "Many things made me think about this. I was never allowed to participate, they called me in to I think 10 meetings over two years. They'd always call me at the last minute, as if they were trying to keep me out. After a while, that starts to really weigh on you. "It shows a lack of respect not for a director, but for a person. I tried to bring something to this club, but I saw the thought process on the other side was different. "If I were to return to Roma, we'd need a new owner. First and foremost. If the new owners believed in me, then that would be great. "What I can say is that I will never hurt Roma. This is far worse than retiring as a player. Leaving Roma is like dying. I feel like it'd be better if I died. "So many have told me over the years that I am too much of a weight on this club. That I get in the way. "I wouldn't return if Baldini left, because what's happened has happened. The vase is broken, it cannot be put together again. They made their choice and if they were going to remove Baldini, they would've done it already. "I have nothing against Pallotta and Baldini. They made their choices and I respect that." One of the main issues Totti had a lack of input in was the appointment of the new coach, Paulo Fonseca. "I never talked about or asked about money. I asked to be a technical director because I think I am competent at finding good players. I never asked to run everything. "I asked to make the same decisions as everyone else, but if they get a new coach, get players, sell players and don't ask you, then what kind of a technical director am I? "I didn't go to London because they called me two days before and had already struck a deal with the coach. I don't even know if they've chosen a sporting director. "The only coach I ever called and spoke to was Antonio Conte. It is not true that I called or sent a message to [Gian Piero] Gasperini, [Gennaro] Gattuso or [Sinisa] Mihajlovic. It's all fantasy. "So if they act like I made all these calls and was turned down, yet they made one call to Fonseca and he accepted, no. I will not be made to look like a fool. There is zero truth to it. "I thank [CEO Guido] Fienga publicly, as he is the only one in the club who stood up in front of everyone and said if he were in charge, Totti would be the first choice as technical director. He was the only one who ever stood up for me. "The only coach I ever called along with Fienga was Claudio Ranieri. I made a decision the others didn't want and it was done thanks to Fienga. "I also thank Ranieri, as he would've come to Roma for free. He is a real man. We didn't talk about money, the team, he immediately said: 'Tomorrow I will be at Trigoria.' "Roma fans should be thankful to Ranieri and I am so glad the fans did that during Daniele's last game. "Guido Fienga and I called Conte, before Pallotta knew about it. I said the only one who can transform Roma right now is Antonio Conte. He had given us the all-clear, as we saw and talked to him many times, but then there were problems and he changed his mind." Now, Roma look to an uncertain future without Totti or Daniele De Rossi, who was not offered a new contract by the club despite nearly two decades of service - something which angered his former teammate. "I never got involved in the De Rossi decision. I had already told some directors in September that if you think this is Daniele's last season, tell him straight away, not like with me where you told me two rounds from the end. "He is the captain of Roma, he has to be respected. They all said yes, we'll evaluate, we'll consider, he got injured, the results weren't coming, Di Francesco and Monchi left, it all became more complicated. "The problem at Trigoria is they need to be done straight away, not allowing time to pass. People are scared to make decisions. There has to be one person who makes a decision, not 10. "I talked to Daniele as a friend, not as a director. I told him to look forward, look beyond. I was a Roma director, I couldn't say too much, but as a friend I gave him advice that there could be problems on the horizon. "The problems did arrive, just as they did with me. What I don't understand is if they did this because it's what they wanted to do or if they just didn't think about it. "From what I've seen, it's what they have always wanted: to remove the Romans from Roma." Totti then revealed his thoughts on Roma's current predicament. "Fonseca has to find an environment that is relaxed, with a clear path ahead of him. People already admire him for how he put himself at the disposal of the club. From what I've seen, he is a fine coach who can do well and was very impressive at Shakhtar. "I wasn't ever going to change Roma, but at least give a contribution. Many promises were made, very few of them real. As a fan, that disappoints me, because as a fan, I have dreams of seeing Roma compete at the top. "Even if we don't win the Scudetto, we can compete and maybe win a trophy or two. Unfortunately, there are financial problems and they have to be respected. "If we have to sell because this year we are running at a loss of €50-60m, we can't sell youth players and get that amount of money. We have to sell important players. That's how it works. This isn't a surprise to anyone. "If I was the president of Roma and had two icons like Totti and De Rossi, I'd put them in charge of everything. They have ethics, they know everything about what it means to be Roman and Romanista. "Pallotta surrounded himself with the wrong people and he only listens to them. Everyone makes mistakes, but if you make the same mistakes for eight years, you have to ask yourself some questions. Something clearly is going wrong. "Did someone stab me in the back at Trigoria? Yes. I will never name names, but there are people in there who don't want me there. These people are hurting Roma, not doing what is best for the club. "Pallotta isn't there, he doesn't know what's going on, but I do. I know it like the pockets in my jeans. I know everyone from the usher and cleaners to the chiefs. I grew up in there. I know what the problems are, the resources, who is talking badly behind people's backs. "If someone talks behind another person's back to you, then imagine what he says when you're not there. I think Pallotta in Boston only gets a tenth of the real truth reported back to him. "Over the last few weeks, they tried in every way to keep me there, but via third parties. In two years, I never heard directly from Pallotta or Baldini. They have never called me or sent a message directly "What would you think in that situation? Would you feel loved and wanted there? No, if I make mistakes, that's fine, tell me to my face. None of it ever happened. "As far as I am concerned, I was cumbersome for this club. People told me both as a player and a director that I am a burden. It hurt more this time than to leave as a player, because it's like leaving your mother." When asked if he would thank Pallotta for anything, Totti amicably replied: "I thank him for giving me the chance to stay at Roma, to work and learn a different role. I got to know things as a director that otherwise I never would've known. I thank him so much for that. "Let it be clear: I want Pallotta to succeed and I hope he can take Roma back to where they belong, at the top. I hope he can get the right advice and achieve greatness. "I spoke to Pallotta only once, when I retired as a player. I went to London with my wife and Baldini was there. That is literally the only time we spoke face to face about anything. "I never thought after 30 years of Roma that I'd be here saying goodbye to Roma. I never imagined it. "Pallotta needs to understand Roma and the real problems within Trigoria. I hoped to discuss many things with him, but I never got the opportunity. "I don't want anyone thinking I am against Pallotta or want him to fail, because Roma is Roma and the rest is irrelevant. I just hope that from today, he changes tack. "I don't think they realise what they're doing here, because they don't live in the city, experience the TV, the radio, the papers. Being a Roman, understanding what it means to be Roman, is completely different. You have to be here to realise it. "I am sure that the message coming through to Boston is only 1% of the reality. I hope they can realise what they've been doing in removing the Romans from Roma, but evidently that was their choice and what they wanted. "I am not angry, I am not going against Pallotta or Baldini. I am just explaining why I resigned." Another decision where Totti's input was not taken seriously was the decision to sign Javier Pastore instead of Hakim Ziyech last summer, a move which turned out to be a disaster. "I will not name any players out of respect. I returned from vacation the first year that I retired, they asked me for an opinion on a player and I said that at this moment he would not be good for Roma, because Di Francesco plays 4-3-3. He is in another role, he's had a thousand injuries, in my view, you'd need another player. "Other directors said I always complain, that I cause problems, that I create issues. They asked for my opinion. I would've made a different choice and I think it would've been the right one. "I would've chosen an Ajax player." That was one of many decisions that highlighted the clear discord between Di Francesco and Monchi, which irked Totti. "After a Champions League semi-final, you think next year, you must head to the final. But selling players, and I want to defend Di Francesco - although I want to be clear Monchi chose him, not me, I made no decisions - he asked for four or five players who were never signed. "It's too easy to hide, because the truth hurts. The coach may well have made mistakes, but he asked for four or five players and they signed zero." The first Roma Rumour Roundup since Paulo Fonseca's appointment as head coach, featuring updates on Fred, Ismaily, Edin Dzeko and Javier Pastore.
Fonseca asks for Fred According to Il Romanista, one of Fonseca's first requests to the Roma hierarchy is to sign Fred. The midfielder impressed under the Portuguese coach at Shakhtar, but has struggled for continuity since joining Manchester United last summer. The report claims Fonseca wants Roma to take Fred on a two-year loan. Ismaily price tag set Another of Fonseca's former pupils, Shakhtar left-back Ismaily has been tipped to follow his coach to Italy this summer - with the rumours only increasing after he followed Roma on Instagram. Corriere Dello Sport say that the Donetsk club want €20m for him. Coach confirms Dzeko exit Bosnia-Herzegovina manager Robert Prosinecki has issued an update on the future of his captain, Roma striker Edin Dzeko - telling CalcioNapoli24 that the 33-year-old has informed him that he will be leaving the club, for another Italian side. Inter are thought to already have an agreement with him. Fonseca urges rethink However, in a fresh twist, Tele Radio Stereo say that Fonseca wants to try and convince Dzeko to stay at Roma until the expiration of his contract next year. Whether or not Roma are in a position to do this financially can be scrutinised. Primavera striker wanted in return Roma's Primavera side were eliminated from the Final Eight by Inter this week, with Sebastiano Esposito scoring a brace for the opponents. According to Tuttosport, Roma will ask to sign him as part of the operation to send Dzeko the other way. Ponce nears Russia switch One forward who is also expected to leave is Ezequiel Ponce, who demonstrated good form on loan at AEK Athens last season. The Greek club have confirmed that they will not exercise their option to buy him, though, and Sport Express in Russia say that Spartak Moscow will offer €8m to sign him. Turkish side want Gerson Another player who spent last season on loan away from Roma who could leave permanently is Gerson, with Fotomac reporting that Besiktas want to sign the midfielder. Karius another option for goal In a second rumour coming out of Turkey, Besiktas' on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius could enter the sights of Roma as they search for a new number one, as per Fotospor. €18m stopper eyed from Spain Alternatively, La Repubblica say that one keeper Roma could target is €18m Real Betis man Pau Lopez. Midfielder eyed as Petrachi compensation La Repubblica also carry a story saying that Torino have asked Roma for Javier Pastore on loan with an option to buy as a makeweight for sporting director Gianluca Petrachi potentially heading to the capital. Gianmarco Cangiano from the Primavera could also move north to Turin. Pavoletti offered for Defrel The president of Cagliari has made no secret of the fact that his club are interested in signing Roma's Gregoire Defrel. According to Il Tempo, the Sardinians will offer Leonardo Pavoletti the other way as part of the deal. Roma make striker enquiry Another striker who could make the move to Rome is Andrea Petagna. According to Il Messaggero, Roma have asked for information on the former Atalanta man, learning that he is valued at €25m. Genoa await Fonseca judgement on target According to Tuttomercatoweb, Fonseca must evaluate young winger Mirko Antonucci, who is wanted by Genoa.
After scoring against Cagliari last weekend, in his first Serie A start of 2019, it seems like Javier Pastore is being given a second chance at Roma.
The attacking midfielder may not have lived up to expectations since arriving from PSG last summer, but having been given Claudio Ranieri's vote of confidence, he could have a big say in Roma's last four games. Whether that's enough to persuade Roma not to cut their losses on him remains to be seen, but Pastore's agent is convinced that the 29-year-old will stay at Roma beyond this season. Marcelo Simonian has told Il Romanista: "I didn't hear from Javier after Saturday's game, but his future is definitely at Roma." The playmaker has four years left on the contract he signed in June. Have a view about Roma that you want to share? Start a discussion by visiting the Giallorossi Yorkshire Q&A page! Javier Pastore has admitted that he was overlooked by Eusebio Di Francesco, but having returned to the starting lineup, is ready to give his all for Roma in the final four games of the season.
The attacking midfielder has been the biggest disappointment of Roma's season, failing to live up to his price tag and reputation. Injuries may have hampered his opportunities, but even when fit, he has shown a lack of effort. However, yesterday brought Pastore's first appearance under Claudio Ranieri, and he scored within eight minutes, as Roma beat Cagliari 3-0 to keep the pressure on in the hunt for a top four place. And the Argentinian was keen to highlight the impact that Ranieri has made on Roma's season. He told Sky Sport Italia: “I think we had a good performance, the important thing was to win, take three points and continue to follow our objective which is to qualify for the Champions League.” “[Ranieri] understood the situation we were in, which wasn’t the right one. He spoke to every single player, he made us pay more attention to not conceding goals because with the quality we have we can always score them. He has increased our self-esteem. “I was unlucky to pick up an injury right at the start of the season, then after that I wasn’t considered an option for the previous coach, and I lost many months. Now I am back in confidence, I'm well and I hope to help the team in these last matches.” Pastore now has three goals from just six league starts this season. Want more Roma news on your timeline? Like the new Giallorossi Yorkshire Facebook page! Roma attacking midfielder Javier Pastore is set to leave the club at the end of the season, reports claim.
Pastore joined Roma from PSG last summer, but the move always seemed an odd fit, and the Argentinian has struggled to find his best form back in Italy. Despite scoring a backheel goal in just his second game for Roma, Pastore has since found it hard to keep his place in the side. A number of injury problems and a poor work-rate and attitude have seen his gametime diminish - an issue which has only been complicated more for him by the emergence of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Zaniolo in his preferred position. According to Calciomercato, Roma and Pastore are set to part ways at the end of the season, just one year into the five-year contract that Monchi strangely offered the 29-year-old in the summer. The report claims Pastore's representatives have been in talks with Chinese clubs over a possible transfer, but the player would rather move back to his native Argentina, where River Plate are readying an offer. With key attacker Juan Quintero recently suffering an ACL injury, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions are looking for an alternative in the number 10 role. The only obstacle to the move could be in the details of the offer. River Plate are only willing to take Pastore on loan, whereas Roma are looking to sell, in order to recoup some of the €25m that was spent on him. However, his hefty wages make a loan a feasible option, as the Giallorossi aim to reduce their expenditure on a player who has offered so little this season. Former Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has admitted that he is "embarrassed" by the form of attacking midfielder Javier Pastore.
Pastore was signed by Monchi in the summer of 2018 as a replacement for the Inter-bound Radja Nainggolan, but his debut season in Rome has been plagued by injury, lack of consistency, and a poor attitude that has seen him refuse to fight for his place. Sabatini - the man who originally brought Pastore to Italy when he was with Palermo - has revealed his own disappointment in the Argentine playmaker. Speaking to Teleradiostereo, he said: "Pastore's performance embarrasses me very much. I was lucky enough to see him play and dominate the pitch. I saw stadiums standing for him, away, such as when he was applauded in Florence. "I'm very sorry to see him play like this, I told him, he has to set about his Argentine pride to go back and return to his levels. "To play as he knows, he must do something, no-one can help him. Pastore needs to play well to be appreciated. He isn't a running defensive midfielder, he is an offensive phantom, an all-out playmaker. "He has an exceptional level, but he must always stay close to the ball. "He would be well-matched with [Sampdoria coach Marco] Giampaolo's style of play, but I'll stop there because then maybe you'll create situations that I don't want." Sabatini - who played for Roma in the 1976-77 season - was also asked how he thinks the Giallorossi will fare over the rest of the season. "[Roma will end the season] entering the Champions League, hoping to pass the round with Porto. The team is healthy and ultimately also lucky, which is a relevant component. Roma will go to the Champions League [places in Serie A] and reach the quarter-finals." The 63-year-old's spell as Roma sporting director brought mixed results, but one of his most successful purchases was striker Edin Dzeko, who has gone on to achieve a place in the club's all-time top 10 goalscorers. "The operation [to sign him] was born because I had the feeling that Roma needed a new hero after Totti. It's hard for a team like Roma without a hero, but the salary of the player and pricetag were heavy for that Roma. But in the end we concluded the deal well." With Monchi expected by some to leave Roma at the end of the season, Sabatini has been tentatively linked with a return to the Giallorossi sporting director role, but he was coy when quizzed about it. "What's that got to do with anything, let me do my job. Forza Roma!" |
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