Eusebio Di Francesco wants the 5-2 victory over Benevento to be “a starting point” for Roma and knew Cengiz Under would come good.
It seems to be a turning point for the Giallorossi, as they’ve won two in a row, surged past Lazio into fourth place and scored five goals when they hadn’t managed more than one per game since December 1.
Eusebio Di Francesco wants the 5-2 victory over Benevento to be “a starting point” for Roma and knew Cengiz Under would come good.
It seems to be a turning point for the Giallorossi, as they’ve won two in a row, surged past Lazio into fourth place and scored five goals when they hadn’t managed more than one per game since December 1.
“We started with a handicap tonight,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium, referring to the early Guilherme goal that stunned the Stadio Olimpico.
“As always, the team created a lot of scoring opportunities, but I am irritated at the way we conceded those two goals.
“This has to be a starting point for us. It was important to get back to winning ways, but also that Edin Dzeko and Gregoire Defrel got their goals. The team wanted Defrel to take the penalty and that shows how fond everyone is of him.”
When Dzeko ended his goal drought, he seemed almost angry rather than joyful.
“He tried so hard to score in the first half and he lives for the goal, so at times he can let a period of abstinence influence him psychologically.”
The real star of the show was 20-year-old Turkish talent Cengiz Under, who in two games has provided three goals and an assist.
“I am happy, as important players change games. He did well today, is in optimal psychological form and can make the most of any situation, whereas a few weeks ago he was short on confidence and would hit them into the stands.
“Cengiz Under is only 20, he came to Serie A from another world in football terms. We are not accustomed in Italy to waiting for young talent to develop and I say that with irritation. People are so quick to point the finger and claim he’s not good enough even to play for the Primavera youth team, then suddenly he’s world class. You must wait for players to develop.
“If he keeps training with this determination and hunger, he can become a leader on the pitch.”
Di Francesco insists it’s no coincidence Roma resumed their victorious march as soon as the January transfer window shut.
“I saw a different team after the transfer deadline, one that was much more unified and eager to get the result. Benevento had nothing to lose and are starting to form an identity, so we did well to show patience and turn it around.”