Eusebio Di Francesco concedes Roma are “playing badly” during their dire run of results and wants to turn it around against Hellas Verona.
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Giallorossi are without a win since December 16 against Cagliari, managing only three 1-1 draws and four losses between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Eusebio Di Francesco concedes Roma are “playing badly” during their dire run of results and wants to turn it around against Hellas Verona.
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Giallorossi are without a win since December 16 against Cagliari, managing only three 1-1 draws and four losses between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
A lot of that has to do with goals, as the last time Roma scored more than once was the 3-1 victory over SPAL on December 1.
“I saw the team train hard with the right mentality. We want to recapture the respect and confidence of all around us and tomorrow must be a starting point after a negative period,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Verona have strengthened in the January transfer window, especially in attack, but also added a physically solid defender like Vukovic who even scored on his debut. Romulo is back to the levels he was at when joining Juventus.”
Di Francesco was asked if he might change his beloved 4-3-3 formation, considering the poor results, but had a different theory.
“Anything could happen, I tried out a few things in training. I am not accustomed to sending out a team that doesn’t know what it’s supposed to be doing. I am without Daniele De Rossi and Maxime Gonalons, but I could still use 4-3-3.
“Recently we have played the 4-3-3 badly, but we did well with the same system before that. It’s an issue of mentality, of moments, characteristics and situations. If I change, it is for the good of Roma and to bring home positive results.
“I have won trophies using 4-4-2, I started out with 4-2-3-1, all systems are dynamic and fluid. The important thing is not sending the players out unaware of where they are supposed to be going.”
Di Francesco was naturally asked about the transfer window, which saw Emerson Palmieri replaced by Jonathan Silva, but above all Edin Dzeko resist a Chelsea move.
“I am very happy that the transfer window is closed. VERY happy. Despite the rumours, Dzeko showed a great attitude towards the squad and is well-loved here. There is no split within the locker room.
“There has been enough talk and now is the time to win, because we can achieve our objective of a Champions League place and go further in Europe this season too. At times people forget that competition and we must do our best.
“I feel the club has absolute faith in me, but on the outside it seems like when I first arrived. That is only right, because criticism is part of my job. We have to recapture that confidence we had for a brief spell and can only get that with performances and results.
“Our fans are magnificent, as despite everything, they always supported us during dark times. The team has picked up less than it deserved, but I only ask for support, courage and strength.
“The Roma fans always say ‘we were born to suffer,’ and we must continue to suffer on the road towards important results.”