Pallotta discusses Monchi's impact, Di Francesco's methods and more

Speaking to journalist Grant Wahl, Pallotta discussed a number of issues surrounding the club - from the impact both Monchi and Eusebio Di Francesco have had on the Giallorossi, to the many behind-the-scenes improvements the president is implementing at the club.

Read some of the key comments from the president below...

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Pallotta on… making progress

“I think our goal going back to the beginning was to consistently try to get into Champions League. Which clearly wasn’t easy the first few years or so. But we did it three times out of the four and one Europa [League]. We’re still trying to get a team for the Scudetto. It took a little time to learn some things and a bit more of a philosophical change too in how we’re managing the football operations side of it.

“I think we did some very good things in the last three or four years, and we did some things that weren’t great. You just try and improve. We had a lot to learn. I had a lot to learn. But I think we’re getting there.”

Pallotta on… Stadio della Roma

“I think [on Friday] we should have the approvals and announcements on the stadium from the region. So it could be a good Christmas present. A lot changes when people know that we’re definitely getting a stadium.”

Pallotta on… identifying new talent

“We’ve built up some incredible analytics. We’re actually going to the next level on analytics that we don’t think has been done before with a couple machine-learning projects on it. I think our academy system has changed for the better, both whatever we can do to improve it in Italy and the U.S. and some other places.

“We have a whole bunch in our youth programs that we’re pretty high on, all the way down to some 15- and 16-year-olds. Obviously they’re young, but we’ve identified a lot of talent.”

Pallotta on… Monchi’s impact

“What he did [at Sevilla] in finding young players and having a much smaller budget than most teams and competing how he did in not just the league but throughout Europe, winning five Europas, you have to feel really good that he liked what we were thinking about at Roma. And we got him. There were plenty of other big teams that I know wanted him for more money, [but] he liked what we were talking about.

“He had a very hard-working summer, and we still have some ways to go on some stuff. I think he’s been great for the team, and he’s a players’ guy. He can have conversations with the players and the coach and the staff. He’s at least what I thought and expected, if not more.”

Pallotta on… Eusebio Di Francesco

“The last couple years we liked the way he played and thought [coaching Sassuolo]. But coming into Rome, the good thing is he played at Roma, so he understands [it], from the derby to just being in Rome sometimes with all the media looking at you and all the radio and TV stations. And he understands it. He handles it.

“I think he’s turned out to be incredibly flexible. When we had conversations with him in the summer, he said this is the style I play, and this is what I play. Within a game or two, you saw the adjustments that he makes.

“His rotations are great. We realized we had to get deeper this year, and we got substantially deeper. He’s utilizing players a lot. Unfortunately we’ve had some injuries, like with some guys like [Rick] Karsdorp. [Patrik] Schick should be coming back soon, and we’re very high on him. He can play right or he can play with Dzeko or in place of Dzeko.”

Pallotta on… challenging for the Scudetto

“When [Luciano] Spalletti came in and went undefeated the last 17 games, we weren’t that far behind. And last year we finished four points behind. So you’re right there. We’re getting tougher as a team.

“I think the style and the play that’s going on in the Italian league right now is as good as anything that’s going on in any league in Europe. Napoli, Juventus, Inter, Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio. It’s a very difficult league, frankly.

“We just have to take care of our own business like we did on Saturday [against Lazio]. I think the team feels more and more comfortable with themselves. There’s a togetherness. You could see it after the Lazio game, where they all went out [together].”

Pallotta on… his work schedule

“I know sometimes people or the media say 'He’s not in Rome, he’s not in Rome, he’s an absentee owner.' That couldn’t be farther from the truth. I’m working on a lot of stuff. Our commercial operation is run out of London. So I do spend a bunch of time when I’m in Rome going to London too because of the commercial activity. I just do what I have to do.

“With Roma the last six to nine months, there’s been a lot going on in Boston in terms of stadium stuff. So for instance, [on Tuesday] we’ve had our construction company in again. We’ve had in the project manager. It’s almost like on a daily basis we have stuff going on here [with the stadium].”

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