Spalletti: The fans' passion will lift the players

Luciano Spalletti has thanked the fans for a fantastic welcome in Pinzolo - saying "all the ingredients are here" for a positive pre-season training camp.

Speaking ahead of the squad's first full day in Trentino, the Giallorossi boss reflected on the welcome received on Saturday and expressed his hope for a productive week.

"I saw lots of enthusiasm and emotional participation and that’s definitely what we need to get off to a good start," Spalletti said, when asked about the reception from the fans.

“All the ingredients are here. First and foremost we have a good squad but then there are also all the other things we need around the ground to hold a proper training session."

Read the coach's full comments below.

You received a fantastic welcome when you arrived…

“I’m not used to seeing so many people because it’s been a while since I ran a training camp in the Italian mountains. I saw lots of enthusiasm and emotional participation and that’s definitely what we need to get off to a good start.”

There are wonderful facilities here too.

“All the ingredients are here. First and foremost we have a good team but then there are also all the other things we need around the ground to hold a proper training session. The pitch is looking great too.”

Will the Champions League playoff factor in your preparation during the training camp?

“The focus is a little different in these training camps now. It’s not about doing long-distance running for the first week any more – we’re doing the practical stuff right away, things like short runs, ball work and practice games, like we’ll do today. These new preparation methods mean you can be ready quicker.”

How have the lads looked?

“Great. The most important thing is that nobody gets injured and that we start well. We need to loosen the muscles up so we can raise the tempo. Basically the whole squad is fully fit.”

Francesco Totti has said: “I know what we get from a Spalletti training camp. We work well under the coach.”

“Francesco has exactly the right idea. I think he can make a big contribution, especially in terms of mentality and presence – he has the potential to do that. He’s an important part of this Roma team. He’s had a minor muscle issue, but he’ll be with us and – as always – we’ll be able to call on his immense quality. He went and saw the fans yesterday, to sign some autographs and meet the children – they see him like a god.”

Were you happy to see Juan Manuel Iturbe get a chant from the fans?

“Of course, that’s really good to see, but the guys need to understand that they are Roma players and it’s them that make the difference. They’re our men, they’re the ones pulling the carriage, they’re the horses. It’s through their performances, character and mental strength that we’ll achieve big things.”

Just before you go, is it true that [assistant coach] Daniele Baldini is the best at football tennis?

“We’ll keep him on the bench for the first game! We have a great football tennis side and we get challenged by the players. He’s the best at that and other things as well.”