GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE Q&A
Today’s question comes from a bit closer to home than usual, as Craig Bannister (my dad!) poses this:
Do you think Roma need to sign another striker in the January transfer window because there appears to be a lack of cover for Dzeko? I think Dzeko has cut a frustrated figure recently. Personally I believe he needs a rest having played every minute this season. In the last few games he’s looked uncharacteristically static - he usually drops deep to get involved with build up play and likes getting on the ball. He hasn’t done this recently, and I don’t think it’s a matter of laziness, given it contrasts his natural instincts, but of fatigue. Fortunately we have Patrik Schick coming back now, and I really want to see him used as a centre forward and not a winger. Schick is a striker and that’s where he needs to be played. He looked good in his brief cameo yesterday and I’m optimistic about him. So, there’s a player who can rotate with Dzeko, and who has enough quality to be an effective option. I wonder if we’ll ever see Gregoire Defrel play as a striker at Roma. He’s been struggling out on the wing but he too is naturally a striker. His lack of a goal so far may be dissuading Di Francesco from selecting him up top. I do think it’s something worth considering though, and with our next game being against lowly Spal, we could try it out then. The only striker I would consider bringing in from elsewhere in January is Antonio Sanabria. We still have a buyback clause on the Paraguayan and he’s done quite well in La Liga. He may be worth a punt, although Monchi’s thoughts may be to sell him on for a profit. I think bringing him back to play as a back up to Dzeko is an avenue worth thinking about though. As long as Schick is used centrally, we should have enough depth to see us through the season. He and Dzeko can rotate and both can benefit from this competition. Perhaps Sanabria could come back as a third option - if not, I would rather have Defrel as our third option at centre forward and invest in a right winger instead. Do you think an extra striker is needed at Roma? Who would your ideal purchase be? Have your say below!
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A question (and answer) from myself today, in the wake of a 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid - our first European loss of the season. I want to hear your opinions on this:
With one game left, where do you think Roma will finish in our Champions League group? Despite the disappointment of last night’s performance and result, I remain confident we will progress as group winners. With Atletico Madrid facing Chelsea in matchday six in need of a win to stand a chance of qualifying, Simeone’s side will play on the front foot. I expect them to get three points against the London side. Griezmann has finally got his goal - what a goal it was, by the way - and he should have got some form together by the time they play Chelsea. So, if that result happens, Chelsea will be on 10 points and Atletico on 9. We face Qarabag. Whilst we should be careful not to underestimate them, certainly with the results they got against Atletico, I expect nothing less than a win. Our game in the league before that, unlike for this matchday, has fallen favourably. We face Spal, and will be able to rest some key players in that game so that we can field a full strength side against Qarabag. Barring a disaster, we should win that game, moving us onto 11 points, which, if Atletico win as I predict, would see us top the group. Where do you think Roma will finish? What will the final two results in Group C be? Have your say in the comments! Thanks to GialloRossiLupo for today’s question, in the wake of a 2-1 Derby victory.
I know it is early but has Di Francesco surprised you so far or is he doing what you excepted? Before he was appointed, Di Francesco was my personal first choice for the job. I felt he had done well with Sassuolo and given his link with Roma from his playing days I thought it would be a good move for the club. However, in pre-season I was a little nervous. It didn’t seem like his ideas were coming across to the players straight away and I was worried about a lack of tactical versatility. But as soon as the actual season kicked off, everything seemed to click. He’s ended up doing very well in the early stages of the season and I’m really happy about that. Am I surprised? As I say, before he was appointed I was optimistic about him. But given the few struggles he had in pre-season, I am a little surprised at just how quickly we’ve done well under him when the results have started to matter. I strongly believe he can keep the good work up in the long-term and that his team will continue to get impressive results. I believe he has a long-term future as coach of Roma if he continues the way he is going. What are your thoughts? Are you surprised by Di Francesco’s successes so far? Tomorrow marks the day of the Derby Della Capitale, and, for the last of five daily articles in preview of it, it’s time to hear your predictions.
In terms of my prediction, I definitely think both teams will score. This tends to happen in most derbies, when the passion is at its highest. Players of both teams seem to step up a level in search of scoring a historic goal. Tomorrow that should be even more exciting than usual, since both teams are in good form and have quality across the pitch. Both teams will go into the game confident, due to their superb form pre-international break. However, I do believe Roma will get the win. I predict it will be close and do not think either team will be ahead by more than one goal at any given time. If one team concedes, I expect them to be the ones to bounce back and score next. That’s how it can go sometimes when the game means so much. In the end I think Roma will win 2-1. It will be a game with action at both ends, but I believe the organisation put in place by Di Francesco will help the team to see through the ninety minutes and come out on top. The players will need to have high levels of concentration throughout, but I believe they will be capable of maintaining them to get three points. What do you think the outcome of the game will be? Give your predictions in the comments! A question from Tom Marsland today, who wants to know this:
Where do you think the squad needs improving to be able to compete with Juventus and Napoli for the league? This question addresses two things: the state of our current squad and our ability to compete for the Scudetto. First, I'll look at the state of the squad. I don't think we need too much improving, because we have been playing well and already have a number of players who can play well in each position. The one area that we could look to strengthen in January is at right back, given Karsdorp's injury and Bruno Peres' less than desirable form. However, too much tinkering in January can often disrupt progress, so I would be hesitant to bring in too many players. Last season's January signing Clement Grenier didn't really have an impact, so if we do make an acquisition we will be hoping to avoid a repeat of that. For the second part of the question, I believe we can compete for the Scudetto, and I believe we can do so with the current squad. We've looked good in Europe, we've beaten the teams below us in the table, and our tactics seem to be clicking with the players. We've even managed to get ugly wins, which all title-winning sides need to do at some point. In all honesty I think Napoli and Juventus remain the favourites, and our credentials will depend on how well we play against the teams around us. After the first game against Juventus (in December), we will know for definite how seriously we are to be taken in the league. That will also give us an indication of if we do need to make any mid-season additions. But I do believe, with the progress that we are making, that we can compete for the title. And we certainly can't hide in the shadows of underdog status anymore, as we arguably could at the start of the season! What are your thoughts? Do Roma need to improve anywhere in order to compete for the Scudetto? This morning's question comes from UK-based Roma fan Billy, who asks about Roma captain Daniele De Rossi. Thanks for the question Billy!
Has De Rossi's time for the club come to an end, or is his influence too great to let go even if performances slip? What would you like the next step to be for him, a move to the USA or a step towards management? Once again we're faced with a sensitive issue about a long-standing servant of the club nearing the end of his career. It's true that De Rossi's performances this season haven't all been great, but I still have faith in him as a player and a leader. Last season, in my view, he was really influential, and he should be able to rediscover that form. I expect he'll honour the remainder of his two-year contract. After that, it's up to him what he wants to do. If he wants to move to the MLS to prolong his career, then that would be fine, but if he was to retire as a one-club man for Roma it would be another great story. At the end of the day, it's the player's choice, but I have a feeling he will retire at the end of this contract. After that, I can see him moving into coaching. I think that would really suit him; he is a natural leader and I believe he has the personal skills needed to be a good coach. In the meantime, hopefully he regains a bit of form on the pitch, because on his day he can still be a really good player for us. What do you think De Rossi's next move will be? And can he regain his form on the pitch? Have your say! Today's question comes from Amos Fiocchi, who turns attention away from the pitch and towards the running of the club with a very good question. Thanks Amos!
My question is twofold. First of all back in the summer, James Palotta mentioned, "Stadio della Roma by 2020 or I move on". Do you think that that really is the end of the road for this American ownership if no progress is made? And to the next question as I am a Roma fan for life. What is the future past the Americans? Do we turn into a big Arab team or do we turn into another "Sensi" Italian team that struggles? Would love to hear opinions from around the globe on this. The thing about Pallotta is that he is a man of bold words. He's often making bold claims to the media, and only he knows how much he means the things he says. Regarding his comments about the Stadio Della Roma, I can understand his frustration on the lack of progress made - we all feel it - and perhaps his comments are just a reflection of that frustration. Will he walk away if the stadium isn't built by then? I think other factors will come into play, such as how successful our team of the next few years will be. If we win the Scudetto in that time, then progress will have been made on the pitch, if less so off it, so that would be a factor for him to stay on. However, if we don't, and there hasn't been any progress on the stadium still, perhaps he would be justified in walking away. However, I wish to say this: the factors preventing the stadium being built aren't directly Pallotta's fault, surely, so would there be any guarantee the stadium could be built under another owner? I think not. However, that owner would still presumably be put under pressure to build the stadium after the club wanting it for years. Beyond this ownership, I think it's important to find the right kind of investment. We could be taken over by a mega-rich businessperson or group, but if the money isn't spent responsibly, then it will be pointless. Look at the investment AC Milan's new ownership have made on the squad, and they are yet to reap the benefits. On the other hand we could have an Italian owner and not have much success, as you say, and as has been in the past. Regardless, it is important for the owner to be situated near the club geographically when they take over. I know many fans are unhappy that Pallotta doesn't spend enough time in Rome. And whilst I perhaps have a more favourable view of him than some, I agree that it would be better if he was located in the capital more often. It's hard to find an ideal owner, one who ticks all the boxes. There are many variables such as wealth, geography, and basic football knowledge. The important thing is that whoever runs the club understands our culture and history. Wherever that investment comes from doesn't really matter, as long as those qualities are present. A very weighty subject with lots to think about and potentially dozens of different opinions. What do you think? Do you think Pallotta will leave if Stadio Della Roma isn't built by 2020, and if so, who is the ideal owner beyond that? The next question on this page comes from Franco Ficetola, writer for thegentlemanultra.com and just-football.com. Thanks for the question Franco!
With Emerson's comeback and Kolarov's impressive performances, do you think there's any chance of seeing the Brazilian playing wide in the attacking line from time to time? After Kolarov's impressive displays at left back since his arrival, integrating Emerson back into the starting line up isn't going to be the simplest task. With how well Emerson did last year, it's almost surprising to be saying that, but the impact Kolarov has made has really been that big. It's too early to call who will be first choice when Emerson is fully fit again, but I trust both of them will see plenty of action. If I remember rightly, I think Emerson played in midfield once or twice under Spalletti, which we might see, although I think it would be hard for him to break into the team as a left winger given we have Perotti and El Shaarawy in that role. At present, Emerson will be a useful option to help take some of the workload from Kolarov, whilst he rebuilds his own strength on the pitch. When he has done that it will be a difficult choice between them, so it will be interesting to see where, and how often, Emerson plays. I've also seen his comments today that he's willing to play as a right back like he did sometimes last season - I think for a left-footed player he did quite well there and given that Florenzi is our only fit right back currently, I could see him getting minutes in that position, and I think that'd be good to see. So, What do you think Emerson's role will be as he returns to the side? Have your say below! Here's the first instalment of the new Q&A feature on Giallorossi Yorkshire. Thanks to AS Roma North UK for supplying the first question!
How much has Monchi’s transfer market as a whole contributed to our season so far (Europe/Serie A)? And has your opinion of it changed? If we look at the most successful performers for Roma so far, some were brought in by Sabatini and some were brought in by Monchi. Alisson, for example, has looked very good value for money this season having been signed by Sabatini. However, Monchi's signings have also made some impact, in particular Kolarov, who looks to be our best signing. Pellegrini too is doing well and could well be the future of this Roma midfield. They have been the main Monchi additions to have contributed this season. Sadly some of Monchi's purchases have fallen to injury, like Karsdorp and Schick. And I think we would like to see more from the likes of Cengiz Under and Defrel. But overall, the squad that has been put in place is doing well. I think we have Di Francesco to thank for that as much as anybody, as he has utilised the depth provided by Monchi well. The rotation he has employed is working, which is good because we are playing well in the Champions League and will be looking to progress as far as possible. EDF has brought in defensive solidity and I think much of our success is down to his man-management. Meanwhile our success in Europe has been helped significantly by Monchi's work in the summer to add depth, as our big players have been able to be rested so they are fresh for the big games. Overall, I think it's a combination of the work of Monchi and EDF that have led to our success, but I would give more of the praise to the latter. My opinion of the mercato has actually improved slightly over time - I had been concerned that we needed another centre half, but Juan Jesus has stepped up and has often looked solid in there. EDF also seems to be finding solutions to the problem of us not buying a like-for-like Salah replacement; El Shaarawy looked good on the right against Chelsea, and it looks like Defrel's confidence is growing, which is good. So I am actually more comfortable with the squad than I first expected, and to some extent I agree with Monchi when he said we don't need to add anyone in January. So, what do you think? What has been your opinion of Monchi's transfer market and how much influence has it had this season? Welcome to a brand new feature on Giallorossi Yorkshire, designed to spark discussion and connection between Roma fans!
This is the new Q&A page, where you'll be able to find the opinions of Roma fans on footballing matters. You can submit a question by commenting on the previous post on the page, or by Direct Messaging me on Twitter (@SamBanno1). Make it topical and Roma-related, but other than that there are no guidelines - be as creative as you wish! I will then post my answer to the question on the page, and other users can give their opinions too by commenting. We'll then be able to see what Roma fans are thinking about the team at that moment. To give you an idea of the kind of items you'll see on this page, here's a sample question and answer that I've made. Get involved and post your answer to it too in the comments! What Roma game have you enjoyed the most so far this season? My answer: For me, it was the 3-3 draw against Chelsea. Whilst I obviously preferred the result of the game at the Olimpico, when we beat them 3-0, for whatever reason it didn't quite match the emotions I went through during the away game. It was a fixture I didn't expect us to get anything out of, and I didn't know how we'd perform. But the players made us proud with a great performance - in my opinion we deserved to win that game too. Every goal we scored was great, but obviously the Dzeko volley took the headlines. And rightly so - the emotions as that ball went in the net were intense. For the few minutes we were in front, I wish you could have felt my pulse rate! It was the most excited I'd been in a long time. And I was just watching on the TV! For me, that's the performance I've been most proud of this season, and, as I've mentioned on a blog post on this site, it should be the blueprint for us going forwards. We managed to go one better next time against them by getting the win, which was also extremely enjoyable, but the range of emotions in the first game make that my favourite one so far. So, now it's time for you to get involved. Comment below with your answer to What Roma game have you enjoyed the most so far this season? And don't forget to send in your own questions too! |
SamueL BannisterEnglish Roma fan and sports journalist. Archives
February 2019
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