Eusebio Di Francesco notes Roma “have Gregoire Defrel and Patrik Schick who can play centre-forward”, but the club will decide on Edin Dzeko.
The Bosnian is thought to be close to a move to Chelsea, but the Coach stated in his pre-match Press conference that “as things stand” he’ll start against Sampdoria tomorrow.
Later in the conference he was pressed over who could replace Dzeko, with Emerson Palmieri also likely to move to London.
Eusebio Di Francesco notes Roma “have Gregoire Defrel and Patrik Schick who can play centre-forward”, but the club will decide on Edin Dzeko.
The Bosnian is thought to be close to a move to Chelsea, but the Coach stated in his pre-match Press conference that “as things stand” he’ll start against Sampdoria tomorrow.
Later in the conference he was pressed over who could replace Dzeko, with Emerson Palmieri also likely to move to London.
“You’re betting on my sincerity and availability, at the moment we’re talking about a situation which doesn’t exist,” Di Francesco pointed out.
“After that certain evaluations must be made. We have Schick and Defrel who can play centre-forward, but at the moment it’s Dzeko.
“Then I’ll refer you the words of [sporting director] Monchi, that certain situations are dictated by the club, which are linked to other things.
“The future choices could come down to a winger or one for the centre, or even both.
“I just have to rely on the professionalism of the players, we’re professionals and that aspect has to come first and foremost, with no excuses, heads held high and with personality.”
Di Francesco sounds unhappy at the prospect of Dzeko being sold, are we to take it that he doesn’t agree with the club’s choice?
“You choose your path and if there are situations to be dealt with you can’t do the maths for anyone else. I could say I didn’t understand anything and go back home, or I can address the situation.
“I’m not someone who runs away.
“There are situations I can’t get involved in, it’s not a matter of agreeing or not. I’ve chosen to be the Roma Coach and I’ll do it to the end.”
But surely the club could ask him not to play Dzeko, in case he gets injured tomorrow and the sale falls through?
“Anything could happen…” Di Francesco shrugged.
“I’ve always chosen my team with great autonomy, that’s always been my strength and it always will be. I’ll decide whether or not Dzeko plays tomorrow.”
Does this represent a blow ahead of the Champions League Last 16 tie with Shakhtar Donetsk?
"We can talk about it after February 1. We play every match to win and we've shown that, now we need to get back to being consistent and solid, something I saw against Inter.
"I saw the right spirit which will allow us to face Shakhtar in the best way with the men I have at my disposal."