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With the 2015-16 season now a thing of the past, Luciano Spalletti has sent out a message of optimism to the fans ahead of the coming campaign.
“Our fans can rest assured,” the coach told Roma Radio.
“This club has done a magnificent job in the last three years, producing some superb performances and excellent results with strong management figures and fantastic players. It will be no different next season.”
The Giallorossi ended the year in third place to secure a Champions League play-off berth for next season.
“I didn't do anything – it was all Roma. I came in and found these players here and everything was already set up. What made the difference was the quality of our players and their willingness to work. All I can do is help with the way they play on the pitch and their mentality off the pitch. We showed how we want to play in the last match against AC Milan - our boys demonstrated their mental toughness.”
Is there something Roma can learn from the second half of the season?
“One small detail that could make the difference is if we improve the mental side a notch. Occasionally we ease off a little during matches and we can't let that happen. It happened several times and none of them were down to our opponents – it's to do with our mindset. We went through a few difficult moments, as everyone does, but that's when you see how solid and resilient a team is. If you look at their faces, it only takes two minutes to realise what sort of character they have.”
The transfer window will be opening again soon and decisions have to be made.
“That's all part and parcel of the game. You tell players the truth and you move on. You can explain it any way you like but that's how it is. Roma need players with certain attributes and there are some who might not see Roma as enough. There are pluses and minuses and you need to consider all aspects when assessing things.”
Is there a player you didn't know personally who surprised you?
“That would mean only naming a few and it wouldn't be fair. I think the squad as a whole did well. One player I never played, for example, was [Salih] Ucan. He strikes the ball beautifully and has shown what a clever player he is on the pitch. I'm really sorry I never got to play him. Some players came to me and said, 'Why aren't I playing?' and I replied, 'Because I want to win.'”
The way the players celebrated after Emerson Palmieri's goal shows the team spirit is there.
“As I said, we've got a good group of lads, apart from the odd bit of subjectivity. They're all happy when their team-mates play well and we win. That's crucial. If you have a player who wants to score himself and doesn't pass to a team-mate, it starts a chain reaction and people start looking after their lot. That doesn't work. You play for the team to improve the team's results. You must be a team. Team, team, team.”
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