Fonseca: “We arrive with optimism. Zaniolo will play ”

Paulo Fonseca, coach of Roma, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the confrontation with Sevilla. The coach spoke optimistically of a fundamental appointment by the giallorossi, who seek to conquer through the Europa League the place in the Champions League that they could not get in Serie A: “We got here very motivated, we are in a good moment. We know it is a difficult game, against a great team. We are highly motivated. Pellegrini is an option, you can also play Cristante. We'll see it tomorrow”.

Pellegrini does not arrive in the best conditions. Are you going to alternate them?

– I must say that Zaniolo will play tomorrow. Pellegrini still do not know.

Do you think that changing the pattern before the league season would have been different?

– I never think of the past. What matters is what we do now. We arrive here with total confidence. It is useless to suppose.

How should a coach do to keep his players focused at a time like this?

– We are very focused, we don't think about other things. These games motivate the players without any problem, I don't need to do anything, everyone understands that it is an important moment and we arrived here with confidence and optimism. It is the right time to face a team like Sevilla.

It is the first match without Smalling. How much do they lose without him and how much did Ibanez grow?

– Chris was essential, but he's not here. We must think of those who are. I am very confident. Ibáñez will play in place of Smalling, before the injury he always did very well. I trust him.

Is it one of the most important dates of your career?

– It's a different kind of game, if you don't win, you're out. They are all important to me, I want to always succeed. With Sevilla it will be the same.