Sporting director Monchi admits he’s been surprised by how big of a club Roma are – “people always expect big things”.
The former goalkeeper joined the Giallorossi having spent his entire playing career and directorship career with Sevilla, and he discussed his adaptation with AS.
“It’s a club with a much higher background and media profile than I expected,” Monchi confessed.
Sporting director Monchi admits he’s been surprised by how big of a club Roma are – “people always expect big things”.
The former goalkeeper joined the Giallorossi having spent his entire playing career and directorship career with Sevilla, and he discussed his adaptation with AS.
“It’s a club with a much higher background and media profile than I expected,” Monchi confessed.
“It’s true that it has not won much over the course of its history, but there’s the pressure of a huge club. Everyone always expects big things.
“Nothing is casual, of course. The special nature of this club means you have to have a knowledge of the environment.
“[Coach Eusebio] Di Francesco won the Scudetto here, [Morgan] De Sanctis played here… We like that they have a past that’s tied to Roma.
“There’s also [Federico] Balzaretti who works with me. And [Francesco] Totti. Totti is Roma.
“It wasn’t the ideal situation to have to explain to him that he wouldn’t continue as a player, I’m not unaware of what Totti means.
“I think the best thing to do was to behave with sincerity, Totti is a simple and sincere person who wants to learn and to help in his new role.”
Monchi also discussed the Champions League Quarter-Final with Barcelona, the first leg of which is at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
“I’ve seen comments which are based on little knowledge but I prefer to isolate myself from that.
“Of course Barcelona are heavy favourites, but I liked what [Vincenzo] Montella said after Sevilla drew Bayern Munich; when he said if there’s a 1 per cent chance they’ll fight.
“Roma is hungry for trophies and there’s a special feeling and extra motivation for this game.
“A player I’d sign from Barça that isn’t Lionel Messi? There would be several, Sergio Busquets isn’t bad, right?
“He’s also playing at his highest level.”