Defrel: I want to show my true colours

The Frenchman returned to the starting line-up against Sampdoria on Wednesday, having previously missed over a month of action after suffering a knee injury against Genoa in November.

Over his injury issues now but still looking for his first goal for the Giallorossi, the summer signing from Sassuolo is eager to demonstrate his real quality.

Read what he had to say during an interview with Sky Sport Italia on Friday.

When is that first goal going to come?

“I’m ready, although the most important thing is always the performance. I want to get back to the level I was at before, and then I’m sure the goals will follow quickly.”

The last two seasons you scored 24 goals – what have been the main difficulties in going from Sassuolo to a big club like Roma? Injuries and the constant scrutiny?

“I think that both of those things have had an impact over the past few months. It’s true that the switch from Sassuolo to here is a big step up. Other than the pressure and the expectations, I think also the problem with my knee created a few issues. But now it’s all about hard work. I have always scored goals and I will do so here as well.”

There has been a few transfer rumours surrounding you as well this month, what is the current situation?

“I’ve seen and read some of the rumours. But the transfer market is the last thing I am thinking about at the moment. I’m only thinking about Roma, and doing well here.”

What do you make of the recent run of results?

“I think that we are in a bit of tough moment right now. We have shown in the last few months that we are a strong side – we played some great games in both the Champions League and the league – but we have also had a few problems and a few injuries. I don’t want to look for excuses, though. Is it more a mental problem than a physical one? I think so, yes, but now I look at the squad and I think we are better after the winter break, we are re-energised mentally and physically and I’m certain we will soon be back to winning ways.”

Against Sampdoria there were some good signs in attack – do you agree with that?

“Yes, we created a lot and played well in the first half. The important thing is to try and implement the style of play the boss is asking for. The boss has asked us to try and repeat what we did especially in the first half in Genoa. If we can do that well, and stay focused for the full 90 minutes, I think that on Sunday we can take the three points at home.”

You know Di Francesco better than most: what is he like in difficult spells like this?

“Even at Sassuolo we had tough spells, but he never changed – he always asked us for hard work and facus. He has the backing of the squad. We are all focused on giving everything and are not thinking about anything else. I repeat, I’ve seen improvements in the squad since the winter break.”

How are you physically after the injury problem had?

“It wasn’t a serious issue with the knee, it was just a heavy blow, but it was uncomfortable. Now everything is better. I felt a bit of fatigue against Sampdoria, my fitness is still not 100% but everything else is fine: now I want to show that on the pitch, because so far I haven’t done much.”

Fans are worried about the distance the side is behind Lazio…

“You have to say that they play good football, they are a top side. But I am confident that we are stronger, something we showed in the first derby meeting. We want to get back to that sort of level, and I really hope that when the campaign comes to an end we will finish above Lazio.