Paulo Fonseca assures he will be making only minor adjustments to Roma personnel and strategy against Atalanta, but ‘won’t change our identity.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT in Bergamo.
“I am thinking of making two or three changes at the maximum, but no more than that,” said the coach in his press conference after Thursday’s 3-1 win over 10-man Torino.
Paulo Fonseca assures he will be making only minor adjustments to Roma personnel and strategy against Atalanta, but ‘won’t change our identity.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT in Bergamo.
“I am thinking of making two or three changes at the maximum, but no more than that,” said the coach in his press conference after Thursday’s 3-1 win over 10-man Torino.
“I don’t want to change a team that is doing well at the moment. We don’t have much time to prepare for Atalanta, so we’ll see tomorrow who will play. I will make my choices based on the strategy and our opponents.
“This is a different game against a team that plays in its own particular style. We won’t change our identity, but we will prepare strategically for a different type of game. The only thing that changes is the strategy.
“Atalanta are always tough opponents, but the objective tomorrow is to win.”
The Giallorossi climbed ahead of Napoli and caught Juventus in joint third place on 24 points, only four points off leaders Milan, so Fonseca was asked if Roma are in the Scudetto race.
“It’s only December, all the teams are quite close at the moment and can arrive in the top four. We can do better and we have to be in the top four, but it’s too early to talk about anything else.
“I always want the team to be balanced and the same goes for me too. I know that people act like we’re the best in the world when we win and the worst in the world when we lose. We’ve just got to keep that balance.
“It’s only natural that this Roma side is improving, as we’ve been together for a year-and-a-half now. We also brought in players who transformed the squad and we’re all getting to know each other better.”
Edin Dzeko has not been as prolific this season as his usual standards, but the coach is not concerned.
“He is a team player and does important work for the rest of his teammates. He scored four this season, but also participated in many other goals. That’s what is important for me.”
Antonio Mirante was benched following a problem in training, but now that he has recovered, with the veteran go back in goal or again watch Pau Lopez?
“I have already made my decision, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out,” was Fonseca’s response.