Eusebio Di Francesco admits Roma regret their 1-1 draw with Bologna, but above all Radja Nainggolan is likely to miss Barcelona.
Edin Dzeko came off the bench to cancel out an Erick Pulgar opener, while Kevin Strootman hit the post at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“We decided that Edin needed to rest today, as some players can’t be out there day after day. Patrik Schick put himself at the disposal of the team, we cannot crucify him for this draw,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Eusebio Di Francesco admits Roma regret their 1-1 draw with Bologna, but above all Radja Nainggolan is likely to miss Barcelona.
Edin Dzeko came off the bench to cancel out an Erick Pulgar opener, while Kevin Strootman hit the post at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“We decided that Edin needed to rest today, as some players can’t be out there day after day. Patrik Schick put himself at the disposal of the team, we cannot crucify him for this draw,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I didn’t like any of my players for the first half, it wasn’t just Patrik. I believe he should be looked after and helped to grow, as let’s not forget where he comes from and the experience he has. At Roma there’s the tendency to destroy new players when we should be preserving them.
“It’s unthinkable to have Edin playing every game, we already saw what happened with Cengiz Under and Nainggolan picking up injuries after international duty. Edin told me he didn’t feel up to starting the game and I have to trust the feedback of my players.
“Unfortunately, Bologna scored with their first opportunity, whereas we created several chances to score with Gregoire Defrel, Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarawy.
“It’s disappointing to have left points by the wayside, but the Coach deserves a negative review as well as the players. I am not satisfied with the result, I am with some elements, not so much with others.”
The biggest blow for Roma could well be in future, because Nainggolan limped off within 16 minutes with a muscular injury and is a major doubt to feature in the Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona on Wednesday.
“We need to talk to the medical staff. With the way he went off the field, the sensations are not positive,” confessed Di Francesco.
“I can assure you from experience that flexor problems do not get solved that quickly, even if he is the Ninja and therefore could surprise us.
“He tried three times to run it off, but if he had to give up and leave the pitch, that means it was bad.”