Zukanovic: Spalletti will help us get better

Ervin Zukanovic believes Roma need to follow Luciano Spalletti’s instructions down to a tee if they want to keep improving.

Speaking to Roma Radio on Thursday morning, the Bosnian defender emphasised the respect he has for Spalletti, defining him as a demanding, critical and vastly experienced coach with the ability to impose a clear playing style on his teams.

“We need to do what Spalletti asks of us if we want to improve,” began Zukanovic. “He’s a very critical coach who really gets emotionally involved with the job. When he speaks people listen. We need to accept what he says and do what he wants. We’re playing well under him.”

How did you feel on hearing Spalletti’s comments after the Madrid match?

“We were all a bit disappointed after the Real Madrid game because we created lots of chances and had several one on ones with their goalie. They took their chances, unlike us. It’s a shame because we played well at the Bernabeu, but now our main focus is the league. We have ten matches left if we want to qualify for the Champions League. The Madrid game was my first match in the competition and we all want to be back there again next season. We need to work hard to achieve that and try to implement the work we’re doing with the coach.”

How difficult an away trip is Udinese?

“We need to go there and look to play our game. There are no easy matches in Italy. All of the teams in the league are tough, despite the fact that Udinese are having a difficult time of it right now. They play with three up front but it’s up to us to prepare well for the game and try to win it.”

In terms of your position, have you always been a defender?

“When I was a lad I played in defensive midfield, then I moved to centre-back and stayed there. Later, when I came to Italy with Chievo, I started playing at left-back.”

Which do you prefer – centre-back or full-back?

“I don’t mind – my preference is just to play. Even before I joined Roma, I’d already played in two or three different systems with my other clubs in Italy.”