Eusebio Di Francesco admits Roma were taught a lesson by Tottenham Hotspur in last night’s 4-1 International Champions Cup defeat.
Patrik Schick put the Giallorossi ahead after just three minutes of last night’s friendly in San Diego, but two goals each for Fernando Llorente and Lucas Moura sealed an emphatic win for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
“We started well, but I didn’t like the performance in terms of our shape,” Di Francesco, whose team were 4-1 down by half-time, reflected.
Eusebio Di Francesco admits Roma were taught a lesson by Tottenham Hotspur in last night’s 4-1 International Champions Cup defeat.
Patrik Schick put the Giallorossi ahead after just three minutes of last night’s friendly in San Diego, but two goals each for Fernando Llorente and Lucas Moura sealed an emphatic win for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
“We started well, but I didn’t like the performance in terms of our shape,” Di Francesco, whose team were 4-1 down by half-time, reflected.
“We didn’t do what I wanted us to do. We could have scored more goals but I’m not happy.
“The right level of determination was missing at certain moments of the match.
“I’m not happy, obviously, but this defeat should serve as a lesson for the coming matches.
“The defensive aspect can be decisive for the offensive phase as well.”
The former Sassuolo Coach added that patience will be needed, with multiple new signings settling in and friendlies against Barcelona and Real Madrid coming up.
“It needs a little bit of time, it needs patience. At Roma everyone is in a hurry – we are either Champions League quality or struggling to survive!
“These games will help our development.”
Di Francesco also commented on new signing Javier Pastore, admitting the Argentine is short of fitness since joining from Paris Saint-Germain.
“Pastore can give an important contribution, like all quality players. But he has had a period of time in which he hasn’t played much.
“He needs to get in better shape, but I like his application.”