Tiago Pinto explains why he announced his Roma exit early, not being concerned at losing Paulo Dybala and tonight’s showdown with Atalanta. ‘We as a club make the big strategic decisions like this.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
This is a showdown for European ambitions, especially as Fiorentina and Napoli already lost this weekend, with Bologna held to a draw by Genoa, giving them the opportunity to close on fourth place.
At the same time, both teams play in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday with Milan-Atalanta and Lazio-Roma.
“Atalanta are a great team, very well-trained, a direct opponent for the Champions League qualification, so we have to be 100 per cent concentrated. It is a game we want to win,” Tiago Pinto told DAZN.
Roma have brought in a reinforcement this week, securing Dean Huijsen on loan from Juventus, and he is on the bench this evening.
“I already explained that we wanted to get a player quickly and within the economic parameters, then Dean was the right fit. With the situation we have at Roma, there are more options if players leave, otherwise it will be difficult.
“We have always been able to do what is best for the team with a great deal of creativity. There’s a long way to go in the January window, I know I accustomed you to getting deals done quickly, but we’ll see.”
Tiago Pinto has already announced that he is leaving his role as director of sport at Roma as soon as the transfer window closes, despite originally having a contract until June 30.
“I think we as a club make the big strategic decisions like this. We announced Jose Mourinho before the previous season had finished, we plan ahead and I think this is how clubs ought to work, even though in Italy they are not accustomed to it,” explained the Portuguese director.
“We preferred to make the announcement on January 4 rather than be there every day answering questions about it. On January 5 we got the Huijsen deal done and sorted out Ola Solbakken yesterday, so nothing changes, we are still working.”
Despite the presence of the release clause for clubs outside of Italy, Roma are not concerned about the possibility of losing Dybala.
“I am almost amused by the questions over the Dybala clause. When we signed him, the first question at the press conference was about his release clause.
“He is playing, scoring goals and enjoying his time here. You can never say never of course, but I don’t think we need to worry.”
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— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) January 7, 2024