Strootman pinpoints low confidence after 'shameful' home performance

The Giallorossi began 2018 with a 2-1 loss at the Stadio Olimpico, as Edin Dzeko’s second half strike was not enough to spark a comeback against Atalanta's 10 men.

Speaking after the game, Strootman acknowledged that confidence is a bit low within the group at the moment.

“In the first half it was shameful to play like that at our stadium,” Strootman said. “I think it’s a mental thing, perhaps we lack a bit of confidence. I really don’t think it’s a physical or tactical problem.

“In the first half it felt like we were playing 11 against 13 or 14, because we were always getting to the ball second. We need to get past this difficult moment and work hard to get back to our usual level.

“Of course, to take the three points you need to do much more. I am talking about myself, too, because obviously I need to do much better. All of us need to take responsibility for this performance.

"In the last four years, since I’ve been here, I don’t think we’ve ever performed like this – and it can’t happen again. In the second half we tried everything but by then it was too late.”

The result was just the latest in a string of disappointing recent result, with the side now without a win in their last three games.

“In the last five or six games I’m not sure what has happened,” Strootman added. “After the Champions League qualification perhaps we relaxed – I’m not sure what it is, it’s difficult to explain. If we knew and understood what is going on, we would have addressed it this evening. To score more goals we have to do more on the pitch, helping the attack and the defence.

“We are there all day at Trigoria, working on and off the pitch, together. Today none of us have done anything well, but during the week we have put in a lot of hard work to improve. The coach works every day on this.

"Right now, I think it’s really a question of confidence - which you can get only with a win or by playing a great game. I pride myself on helping my teammates but when I play like today I cannot help anyone, not playing this badly.

“After the winter break we have to work hard and rediscover our strength and confidence because we have to get past this bad spell and that is the only way."