Paulo Fonseca reveals the derby with Lazio was crucial for Roma to “understand what we were doing wrong” and help inspire their 4-0 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.
“It’s true that I didn’t like the first half, as we didn’t press well, we didn’t attack effectively and were too slow,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“However, we did much better in the second half and created many scoring opportunities.”
Paulo Fonseca reveals the derby with Lazio was crucial for Roma to “understand what we were doing wrong” and help inspire their 4-0 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.
“It’s true that I didn’t like the first half, as we didn’t press well, we didn’t attack effectively and were too slow,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“However, we did much better in the second half and created many scoring opportunities.”
The Giallorossi had stuttered in the early games under this Coach, drawing 3-3 with Genoa and clinging to the woodwork in a 1-1 with their city rivals Lazio, but seem to have turned a corner.
They beat Sassuolo 4-2 at the weekend and now kept their first clean sheet in the Europa League opener with Istanbul Basaksehir.
“The game with Lazio was very important for us, as it helped us understand what we were doing wrong and we did a lot wrong in that match. We talked about the performance and told the players we had to be more aggressive, keep control of the ball, and the team is learning that.
“I am very happy with the progress made and the way they are playing now. The passing lines are very important and we need movement to open up the channels, to provide options.
“I am feeling confident, because all the players have understood what I want. They are open to my ideas. It’s important not to concede goals, but we are doing particularly well in attack at the moment.”
Edin Dzeko had seemed to be on the verge of a transfer to Inter for most of the summer, only to suddenly sign a new contract. How did Fonseca convince him?
“I spoke to Dzeko during pre-season and let him know that this style of football is simply ideal for him.”