Spalletti: Having fans back would be my ideal January signing

Roma have been linked with West Ham winger Sofiane Feghouli in the media and, while the coach admits the Algeria international is a player of interest, he insists that he does not feel in desperate need of January reinforcements.

“To my mind, there’s no need for the transfer window because this is the team I chose, it’s a good side and we have lots of ambition," Spalletti said in his pre-match press conference. "I’m happy with it.

"Given that [Mohamed] Salah has gone to Africa and [Juan Manuel] Iturbe wanted regular first-team football, we’ll have to deal with these absentees. [Sporting director Frederic] Massara is working with what’s available on the market. We do, however, need to make sure we assess things and figure out where we can make additions. We have a strong team but we can improve."

The coach acknowledged that a variety of discussions are underway but urged fans to be patient as potential deals are explored and negotiated.

"You can work on certain players," he added. "The focus is on Feghouli but these things take time. Talks are ongoing. As for other names being touted, they’re all options that have cooled a little.

"Now we simply have to replace the players who have left. Our players know I trust them. So does the club. Thus far they’ve been great at covering when we’re missing players based on our commitments. In terms of numbers, we could find someone to help us out but it’s hard to improve the squad because we’re strong already."

The boss then pointed out that a change to the situation at the Stadio Olimpico could have the biggest impact on the club.

“I want our crowd as a January signing," he said. "They should take down the barriers and bring back our supporters.

"You can replace coaches and players but the Roma fans are one of a kind. That would be the best possible signing in the window.”

Read Luciano Spalletti's full press conference here.