Paulo Fonseca was almost more pleased with the clean sheet than the goals in a 5-0 Europa League win over Cluj. ‘The brace will help Borja Mayoral’s confidence.’
It was plain sailing from the opening minute at the Stadio Olimpico, with goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Roger Ibanez, Borja Mayoral and Pedro Rodriguez.
“There were many positives, and it’s always important to keep a clean sheet,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Paulo Fonseca was almost more pleased with the clean sheet than the goals in a 5-0 Europa League win over Cluj. ‘The brace will help Borja Mayoral’s confidence.’
It was plain sailing from the opening minute at the Stadio Olimpico, with goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Roger Ibanez, Borja Mayoral and Pedro Rodriguez.
“There were many positives, and it’s always important to keep a clean sheet,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“It might seem like an easy game now, but Cluj had good results in the Europa League, they were Champions of Romania for three seasons running. We started strong and it all becomes easier when you do that.”
Borja Mayoral not only got his first Roma goal, but also a brace, both set up by Bruno Peres.
“I think he had a good game with both Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pedro, but as I always said, Borja is a young lad and we must give him time to adapt. I am happy he got two goals today, as it will help his confidence.
“Pedro is a great professional, a different player to the ones we had at our disposal, and he is really helping the team. He brought intensity and that’s important.”
This was Roma’s third consecutive clean sheet in all competition, so has Fonseca found the key after leaking goals at the start of the season?
“The team feels more secure, and it’s great to know that even though the players change, the general approach of the team has not changed.”
There was a debut for 18-year-old midfielder Tommaso Milanese, who also provided an assist for Pedro Rodriguez’s goal.
“Because the result was good, it allowed me to give the debut to this young lad who is doing so well for the youth team. Milanese deserved this moment.”