Strootman: I need to be at my best to help the team

Midfielder Kevin Strootman addressed topics including his fitness, his leadership qualities and his immediate future during a press conference on Friday afternoon.

It was the Dutchman's turn to face the media in Pinzolo, despite already saying this week that he hopes to finally do his talking on the pitch this season after a horrible run of injuries in recent times.

“Physically I'm fine but there's a difference between being fit and being 100%," he said. "As the coach has said, I need to get games under my belt – both friendlies and competitive matches. But physically I feel good and I'm happy about that.

"My knee feels fine: the doctors have done a great job.”

You've worn the captain's armband and Luciano Spalletti says you're a leader both on and off the pitch. Does that place extra responsibility on your shoulders?

“We already have several captains. I want to help the team but I need to be at my best to do that. If I don't feel right, I can't help them.”

Juventus are strengthening their squad. Does that worry you at all?

“Roma must challenge for the Scudetto. Juventus have won the league five times – the last two quite easily – and they're signing some great players but we have to focus on winning our own games. We only play Juventus twice a year in the league. They have a great team but Roma should always be in the mix for the title.”

Louis van Gaal says you're one of the few midfielders in the world capable of winning a game by himself.

“I've always had a good relationship with Van Gaal. He's a top coach and he's won the lot. If that's what he said then it's nice to hear but I can't say I really agree. You need 11 players in football – 23, actually. I want to help the team but I'm not going to score a hat-trick every game. Other people can say that but personally I don't think it's true.”

Do you think you can be a leader for Roma?

“I've played about five games in the last two years and I haven't helped the team. I spent time on the bench too because the other guys were playing well in the second half of last season, so I don't really want to talk about myself being a leader. I just want to get back to the top of my game. We have three captains already and that's enough. I've played 40 matches for Roma. I want to play many more and become an important player for this club but as things stand I'm not.”

What position do you see yourself playing in with Spalletti?

“I just want to play, that's all. If the coach wants to play me in front of the defence or up front, that's fine by me. I'll give it my all. I'm happy in midfield. We have lots of other midfielders who have done well but I want to get back in the team.”

Have the club offered you a new contract?

“My agent is talking to Roma – not about extending my contract straight away, but we're on good terms. I've told the management that I just want to focus on playing for now, not my contract. I've always had the club's support but I want to concentrate on being important for this team.”

Have you noticed any differences in training methods between Rudi Garcia and Luciano Spalletti?

“They are different but it's strange to compare two great coaches. We do more tactical work with Spalletti and I like the way he works. We've had 10 sessions but we have lots to do because we must be ready for the Champions League play-offs – they're the most important games of the year for me.”

Would you ever join Juventus like Miralem Pjanic?

“No, not me.”

Georginio Wijnaldum has been linked to Roma. Can you tell us something about him?

“Wijnaldum is a good player and I've known him since I was little. We've got some good midfielders here and he's good too. You'd need to ask the management about whether he's joining us.”

Do you see yourself as a leader for the Netherlands?

“That's another tough one to answer. In the last few years I've only played three friendlies for the Netherlands. Playing for your country is an amazing experience. We didn't play at the Euros this year but we should always be involved in the big tournaments. I'll give everything I can to help the team qualify for the World Cup. I just want to play. Just as [Francesco] Totti, [Daniele] De Rossi, [Alessandro] Florenzi and [Radja] Nainggolan are all possible captains here, for the Netherlands we have people like [Arjen] Robben, [Robin] Van Persie and [Wesley] Sneijder. They can take the armband; I just want to play.”