Thomas Vermaelen believes Roma “have the quality to challenge” for the Scudetto and have a “similar” tactical approach to Barcelona.
The Belgium international defender arrived on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy and already made his debut in a 1-0 friendly win over Latina.
“I think there’s a good atmosphere in the dressing room. I had a warm welcome from all the players. Of course some of them are familiar faces to me, which makes it easier,” he said in a Press conference.
Thomas Vermaelen believes Roma “have the quality to challenge” for the Scudetto and have a “similar” tactical approach to Barcelona.
The Belgium international defender arrived on loan from Barcelona with an option to buy and already made his debut in a 1-0 friendly win over Latina.
“I think there’s a good atmosphere in the dressing room. I had a warm welcome from all the players. Of course some of them are familiar faces to me, which makes it easier,” he said in a Press conference.
“Training is going well, I am very impressed with the quality this team has and the game we played. So far it’s going very well.
“I spoke to (Luciano Spalletti) a few times, I think it’s very important to get to know him and how he wants the team to play. He wants to build from the back, play with the ball on the floor, which I’m used to, and as the months progress I’ll get to know him better and better.
“They want to build from the back, which is similar to what I am accustomed to at Barcelona, so the way they want to play is quite similar.”
Roma have experimented with both four and three at the back during the summer, so where does Vermaelen feel more confident?
“Of course it’s not a decision I have to make. From my experience in the past, I’ve played with four and three. We can practice both, they both have advantages and being able to switch formation is helpful. I personally don’t have a preference. It’s something we will work on.
“At the moment I feel good, I have no physical problems at all. Of course I started pre-season almost two weeks ago, so am working to get better and better. I played in the Euros and it was good for me to get into a sort of rhythm, as with game time you get fitter and fitter.
“I had issues over the last two years, for some reason, and I hope to get as many games as I can, because that’s the only way to get fit and get into a rhythm.”
The Champions League play-off against Porto is imminent and that could transform their season.
“Of course everyone wants to play in the Champions League, but many of our players are accustomed to this sort of pressure. I played in the preliminary round a couple of times with Arsenal and you do realise the importance, but we have to deal with pressure and there’s no excuse.
“We have to go into the game with a lot of confidence and try to beat Porto.”
Juventus have won five Serie A titles in a row, so could there be a Leicester City-style upset in Italy?
“It could happen anywhere and surprises have happened in other leagues before. I look at Roma now and we have the quality to challenge for the title. If you have that belief, you start the league with full confidence and go for it to win the league.”
Former Arsenal captain Vermaelen was asked about his view on the Premier League, which now includes Italian Coaches Antonio Conte, Claudio Ranieri, Walter Mazzarri and Francesco Guidolin.
“I think it’s a very strong league, very physical, you can see from the money the clubs pay that it gets stronger and stronger. It’s different to other leagues, as all have their positives and negatives. As I said, it’s very difficult to win, as even if you go to the 18th or 20th team, you have to fight for every point.
“Maybe this year will be the most difficult it’s ever been.”
Meanwhile, Roma director Mauro Baldissoni was also at the Press conference and noted “the option to buy is open, so Roma are free to choose.”