Luis Enrique insists Francesco Totti “is happy at Roma and will continue to be the penalty taker” as they prepare to face Napoli.
Luis Enrique insists Francesco Totti “is happy at Roma and will continue to be the penalty taker” as they prepare to face Napoli.
The captain had a very tense week, as his spot-kick was saved in the 1-1 draw against Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus, earning him insults from certain Giallorossi fans in the street, so Totti admitted “if I am the problem” then he was considering leaving the club.
“During the week I saw Totti at the level he always was. I saw he is happy at Roma and didn’t notice any change. It’s always said this club is a difficult place to work, so we have to carry on altogether. He will also continue to be the penalty taker,” said the Coach.
“I saw the best version of the captain this week and expect a great deal from Francesco, as he can still beat many records. I have a special, different rapport with him. If we talk about statistics, it’s impossible to think Francesco won’t score. He just needs to continue like this and the breakthrough will come.
“Napoli are already a solid team unit of a very high level. They are dangerous on the counter-attack and I think they will try to take advantage of our mistakes to go on the break.”
Enrique faces problems, as Marco Cassetti, Simon Kjaer, Nicolas Burdisso, Fabio Borini, Fernando Gago and the suspended Miralem Pjanic are absent.
“I have no doubts over the defence, but I don’t want to give away my decisions. It’s a shame that we have had so many injuries over the campaign, but I am satisfied with the way the team is battling to overcome them.
“Daniele De Rossi did very well at centre-back and I liked his attitude. We know he is a different player to the others, although having him back there means losing an important figure in midfield.
“There was a great deal of intensity against Juventus, while I expect something similar against Napoli. I always play on the attack, while the strikers must change mentality when we are in defence. In this sport you need to attack and defend, so the roles are changing.
“I love watching Napoli’s trident and the way Edinson Cavani helps out the defence. That is a fantastic mentality.”
Roma are stuttering this season, particularly on their travels with just two wins, a draw and four defeats.
“We are due an important performance away from home and I can see it happening in Naples.”