Paulo Fonseca confessed he wants to “stay here for a long time” and win silverware with Roma. “It’s one of the most important clubs in the world.”
The former Shakhtar Donetsk coach only joined this summer, but is already passionate about the Giallorossi cause and the feeling from fans and players is mutual.
“Results always make the decisions for us in the life of a coach, but as well as this wonderful city, I’d like to stay at a club that makes me feel at home,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Paulo Fonseca confessed he wants to “stay here for a long time” and win silverware with Roma. “It’s one of the most important clubs in the world.”
The former Shakhtar Donetsk coach only joined this summer, but is already passionate about the Giallorossi cause and the feeling from fans and players is mutual.
“Results always make the decisions for us in the life of a coach, but as well as this wonderful city, I’d like to stay at a club that makes me feel at home,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Roma are one of the most important clubs in the world and I would like to stay here for a long time. My first season so far has been positive, I am very happy with the team and with Serie A football. It’s a very tough league, as every game is different, with strong squads and coaches all the way through.
“I am by nature an optimist, so I think 2020 can be even better for us than 2019. However, our objectives have not changed, we are still aiming for a top four finish so we can qualify for the Champions League. Having said that, I do not change my opinion that if we reinforce this squad over the course of my contract, then we can win something.
“We can push for a trophy this season too, as the Coppa Italia won’t be easy, while the Europa League has become practically a mini-Champions League, but we will certainly play to win.”
When asked if Roma can go for the Scudetto this season, Fonseca pumped the brakes.
“I don’t think it’s right to create great expectations, as we should live within a sense of reality. This is the start of a journey. There’s a new coach, a new director of sport, many players who came and left.
“It’s not worth making long-term plans when the next game is always the most difficult, especially in Italy, where the side at the foot of the table can beat the leaders. Having said all that, I am well aware that Roma are growing.”
Roma have been slowly dismantling the old guard in recent years, with Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi pushed out, while now Fonseca is often dropping captain Alessandro Florenzi.
“I like to build moves out from the back, so De Rossi in his best shape would’ve fit in very well with our style of football. Of course, he is of a certain age now and no longer at 100 per cent, but when he was at his best, we all appreciated him,” said the coach.
“I understand Florenzi’s frustration, I am aware of what he represents for the club and the fans. He is a great professional, we’ve never had problems. He remains an option, but that is true of all the players. I have to focus on what is best for Roma.”
This pruning of local heroes has further irritated the fans, who were already staging protests against President James Pallotta, who hasn’t been to the city in almost two years.
“The fans are passionate and fantastic, so every coach would love to feel this kind of support. It’s true Pallotta is not here physically, but he is informed every day of how the team is doing. Football has changed now, there are many clubs whose Presidents live in other countries. It’s not a problem, Pallotta is not here physically, but we feel his presence.”