Spalletti: Manolas is staying at Roma

The Giallorossi boss, speaking ahead of the club’s first full training session in Boston on Sunday, moved to quell recent speculation about the Greek defender.

Manolas is with the squad for their tour of North America, but is currently sidelined with a slight thigh injury.

“In my opinion, and especially for those who are here, it is easy to see that there are no problems,” Spalletti told reporters. “Manolas is a good footballer, like there are many good footballers, and so it can happen that he will be linked in the transfer market – indeed it is inevitable. But his intentions are clear, so there are no issues.

“Why not talk instead about the problem of writing about issues that are not there? Manolas will stay with us.”

The coach was also asked about Edin Dzeko, saying he continues to be impressed by the striker's attitude so far in pre-season.

“He’s motivated,” Spalletti said. “Edin is one of those who wants to redeem himself next season, and I think that will give us all a lift. Last season he only showed his best in glimpses, although his work ethic has always been healthy and good to see.”

Spalletti also said that he was already enjoying being in the United States, noting that the facilities are in place for the club to work on the things they need to do in order to be competitive in Serie A next season.

“We have to find certain approaches,” Spalletti said. “We are here to work hard each and every day in order to continue what was done at the end of last season.

“We want to win every game. Then, facing us, there is another team [Juventus] that wants the same. Napoli have done a great job, they were there to contend the title with Juventus until the end of last season and they played great football – that is important. They also want to win every game.

“Then, you add in Inter and AC Milan and it will not be easy this year - because it will be hard to continue the quality of play we showed last season.”