Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has defended under-fire stopper Simon Kjaer from growing criticism.
The Denmark international joined the Giallorossi on a loan deal from Wolfsburg in the summer after Sabatini had previously signed him for Palermo.
Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has defended under-fire stopper Simon Kjaer from growing criticism.
The Denmark international joined the Giallorossi on a loan deal from Wolfsburg in the summer after Sabatini had previously signed him for Palermo.
The centre-back, however, has struggled to deliver his potential and he’s been blasted by fans and pundits.
“Kjaer is like a player who people are trying to knock down and they’ve almost succeeded,” the official noted on Thursday. “The Kjaer I brought to Roma was different.
“After his dismissal in the derby against Lazio, he entered a dark tunnel which is leading to some insecurity and mistakes.
“We have to protect him,” added Sabatini. “It’s getting tough though, there is a kind of conspiracy against him and his errors are highlighted by all.”
The transfer guru also responded to concerns about the minimal impact of fellow new boys Jose Angel and Bojan Krkic.
“Jose Angel started well which gave us hope, he’s slowed down a little but he’ll return,” Sabatini assured.
“As for Bojan, he has scored one goal more than Mirko Vucinic and four more than Marco Borriello [the two former Roma players now at Juventus].
“He’s a player of worth. He’s found less space than he expected and he’s paid the price for Fabio Borini’s good form, but there are a few months of the season remaining…”
Sabatini also confirmed today that he’d like to stay at Roma once his one-year deal expires in the summer.