Di Francesco: This Roma side is based on the collective

“This Roma side is based on the collective,” said the Giallorossi boss, speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon. “The coach plays a fundamental role in building a team and I have great belief in this group. Players win football matches, but if they do so by standing together then it’s even better.

“I’m here to coach Roma, not for myself. I feel like I’m part of the team’s process of development,” he continued. “I try just to let everything else pass me by – you have to have that strength in order to be able to coach in this kind of environment. I think my relationship with everyone is excellent. I feel a lot of warmth from everyone both at Trigoria and in general.”

Looking ahead to the Udinese clash, Di Francesco called on the team to replicate the way they approached their previous two league games – both of which resulted in Roma wins.

“There are potential pitfalls in every game,” he acknowledged. “Tomorrow we need to have the same attitude we showed against Verona and Benevento – we need to set up as a team, show a desire to play as one and have that determination. We need to start just as strongly as we have been doing.”