Radja: We have to show that Sampdoria was just a blip

The Belgian was on hand to accept his award. Afterwards the midfielder answered a few questions about the season so far.

How are you feeling after the defeat on Sunday?

“That loss is still painful for us, even though we’re still ahead of Napoli, luckily. We really rue the fact that we didn’t close the game out; we went ahead twice but couldn’t get the win. That’s not like us, really. We made mistakes in the way we managed the match. As for the decisions from the referee, they’re part of the game. If he’d given us a penalty, however, it would have ended as a draw. In any case, that wouldn’t have changed much for us.”

Was the game at the Marassi a missed opportunity?

“Yes, we should have won it. We’re very disappointed because we lost our way slightly but we still believe in ourselves. We’ll stay focused on what lies ahead, so we can create some distance between ourselves and Napoli. They’re doing well but this league campaign is long and tough.”

Is there still reason to believe it could be your year?

“Compared to the previous year we’ve made steps forward, winning games that in the past we would have lost. Yesterday was not in keeping with that; we could have got the three points but we didn’t manage it. But we always keep the faith and we hope that the game in Genoa was just a brief blip. This season is long and there’s time to recover.”

What is it like in the dressing room after a game like the one on Sunday?

“The team feels disappointed and we know we could have done better. There are games which really strike a blow, but they can make you improve ultimately. We need to keep on working. I have confidence, just like the rest of the team.”

Was there a chance of going to Chelsea?

“I’ve made a life choice. I’ve been in Italy for 12 years and I feel a great deal of respect. I don’t want to leave all of that behind. I’m happy where I’m living now.”

Will you be cheering on Inter or Juventus on Sunday?

“Inter are going very well indeed. They have a great coach who taught me a lot while I was at Piacenza. We hope the result benefits us. A draw would be good.”

Do you still believe the Scudetto is within reach?

“We have to believe it is. With Napoli’s draw we’re still in second place. We need to push on to create distance between ourselves and those behind us.”

How do you feel about the comparison with Paul Pogba?

“It’s part of the game. It was a comment from [Luciano] Spalletti, having to answer a trick question from journalists. Above all else I just need to keep doing my job well; I’m part of a team and without them I’m nobody.”