Gianluca Petrachi believes Roma fans will love Paulo Fonseca, warns Stephan El Shaarawy ‘we can’t go overboard’ and ‘would’ve liked’ Francesco Totti to stay.
Fonseca was chosen as Claudio Fonseca’s successor last month, and Petrachi is excited about what the Coach has in store for Roma.
“I was very impressed by Fonseca,” continued the sporting director at his debut Press conference.
Gianluca Petrachi believes Roma fans will love Paulo Fonseca, warns Stephan El Shaarawy ‘we can’t go overboard’ and ‘would’ve liked’ Francesco Totti to stay.
Fonseca was chosen as Claudio Fonseca’s successor last month, and Petrachi is excited about what the Coach has in store for Roma.
“I was very impressed by Fonseca,” continued the sporting director at his debut Press conference.
“I’ve kept tabs on him for the last few years because I wanted to bring one of his players to Torino.
“From there, I felt his stature. I saw three Shakhtar games, enough to admire a mentality that I love, based on immediate ball recovery.
“I was a player, and if I had a Coach like Fonseca then maybe my career could’ve gone a bit differently.
“He’s not a fundamentalist, but he manages to give precise orders. I think he can give this team a strong identity.
“The fans will understand what I’m saying after a few games. It’ll take some time, but I’m optimistic.
“We often meet up, we have clear ideas and I’m convinced that everything will work well.
El Shaarawy is reportedly in two minds over staying at the Olimpico, amidst the lure of Chinese riches.
“I talked to his brother, I told him I’d like Stephan to stay. He did well last season and we’re willing to renew his contract.
“At the same time, however, he must understand we can’t go overboard with the figures and that we can’t compete with Chinese money.
“If he wants to stay at Roma, I’ll try to please him as much as possible. If he wants to go for the money then we won’t ask him to stay.
Finally, the former Torino man admitted he would have preferred Totti and Daniele De Rossi to still be at the club.
“As for Totti, I would’ve liked to have him next to me but I can only accept his decision.
“I’m sorry about that because he’s a good guy and he’s always made an excellent impression on me, even though he got on my nerves as an opponent.
“As a director, he could’ve added value but it went the way it did. If he wants to come back then I’m ready to welcome him.
“It’s a shame that De Rossi decided to stop playing. Maybe in a few years, we’ll come across him again.”