Juan Jesus: I'm ready to help in whichever role we need

See what the Brazilian had to say in the transcript below.

Eusebio Di Francesco has focused a lot on the defence so far. Is there something in particular he has asked from you?

“He is very focused on the little details. He tells us to be clever with our bodies to defend the space, and to always be ready to release the ball early for an attacker.”

What are your aims for the coming campaign?

“I think that last season was so-and-so for me, and I’ll be the first to admit that. I have improved a lot, I’ve handled the criticism and always been professional. I took the criticism and responded with sweat and hard work. From December onwards I began to regain peoples’ confidence and I showed what I could do. I want to help the team achieve the most important aims.”

Maxime Gonalons has arrived this summer – what are your impressions of him?

“I played against him in one game, a game we are still annoyed about. He is good on the ball, has a good range of passing and will help us a lot.”

Do you think the defensive roles will change? What do you think your prospects are?

“We are all strong defenders – Rudiger has now left, but Hector Moreno has arrived. He’s a very strong centre-back, I played against him in the Olympics. You cannot decide a ‘hierarchy’ yet, the coach will decide who is the best option for the good of Roma.”

In the centre of defence there are a few options, do you think you could potentially play on the left?

“I am always available, I have played there before, and I am ready to help Roma in whichever role. All my teammates are exactly the same.”

What does it take to reach the mental level of Juventus?

“They are always like machines out there. We are not far off. We have secured a record points total last season and I think we can get better, get even closer, and achieve some big things.”

How are you finding the high defensive line Di Francesco wants?

“He likes to attack high, I’ve played against his teams a lot. If the attackers are aggressive, then the defenders can push forward. I’m happy with that because I can use my main qualities: speed and strength.”

Do you prefer playing as part of a three-man defence or a four?

“I just like to play, in a three or a four, the main thing is to be on the pitch. Di Francesco has told me to get my body ready, to be ready for a number of possibilities, in order to be able to react immediately against attackers and midfielders.”