Roma tactician Luis Enrique has admitted that he is a fan of Serie A rivals Udinese” data-scaytid=”3″>Udinese ahead of Friday’s Serie A meeting.
Roma tactician Luis Enrique has admitted that he is a fan of Serie A rivals Udinese ahead of Friday’s Serie A meeting.
The two teams will clash at the Stadio Friuli tomorrow night and the Spaniard respects Francesco Guidolin’s Bianconeri.
“I admire Udinese a lot and the way they play their football,” the former Barcelona B boss stated on Thursday afternoon.
“It’s different to what I believe in, but they can create chances with just three touches of the ball,” he added.
“We’ll look to play the way we do. If we can keep hold of the ball then that will create problems for them.
“I’m curious to see what we’ll be able to do against a side that is so strong. I want to see how hungry my side are against Udinese.”
Roma are fifth in the standings, five points behind the leaders, following the 2-1 win over Lecce last weekend.
“Nothing has changed for me as I don’t look at the League table,” continued the former Spanish international midfielder.
“We’re just concentrating on one game at a time in an effort to improve our own performances. We have to try and learn to defend and attack as a team, with everyone involved.”
Enrique has some selection problems given that forwards Francesco Totti and Marco Borriello have fitness issues.
“I don’t know how the captain is feeling. We need to evaluate his condition. It’s the same situation with Borriello. They didn’t train yesterday. I’ll still have other options if they don’t feature.
“Juan? He’s still not at 100 per cent and he needs to improve. It’s a shame as he’s working hard, I’m just waiting for him to be ready to play a full 90 minutes.”
Enrique was also, inevitably, asked for his thoughts on the fact that Daniele De Rossi has still not signed a new contract. His present one expires in June.
“The De Rossi situation is a peculiar one, but I won’t talk about his contract,” Enrique noted.
“The club are here for that and they already know what I think of him as a player. He’s a Romanista – 100 per cent. I’m just focused on picking the team.”