Strootman: The team feels ready - but the proof will be out on the pitch

Kevin Strootman is set to embark on his sixth season as a Giallorossi player. Since arriving in the Italian capital, the Dutchman has notched up 101 appearances and 10 goals for the club.

Each of the midfielder’s seasons at Roma have differed, with some blighted by injury. However now Strootman has emerged as one of the old heads in the Roma dressing room, shouldering great responsibility both on and off the pitch.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, he did not hold back and made no excuses in his comments on the previous campaign: “Last year I did not have a good season. This year I want to improve.”

The preparations are over. What are your impressions of the team in the hours before the new season kicks off?

“We’ve done good work during this pre-season phase, both here and in America. However, it’s difficult to really assess the team at this stage. We’ve got the first game of the campaign coming up and I believe we’re ready.”

This is your sixth season at Roma. Do you feel you have more responsibility than in previous years?

“I have always felt responsibility, since my first year here – I have always given 100%. I say that although there are players here that have racked up more games for Roma than me. I want more.”

This is the second season with Eusebio Di Francesco in the Roma dugout. You’ve had a longer pre-season compared to last year and the coach has been able to work with almost all his players. That’s certainly beneficial to you.

“Of course. It’s been important for the coach to start working with the squad, almost in its entirety, from the first day of the training camp. We’ve had more than six weeks together, first in Trigoria and then in America. It’s been a lengthy period, during which time the coach has continued working on his approach. We had a good season last year, but we can do even better. We know what we need to do in order to improve.”

Among the players that have arrived is a fellow countryman of yours. Justin Kluivert is a young player with great potential. Having trained with him, what can you tell us about him as a player?

“He’s a good young player, a real coup for Roma. He still needs to get to know Italian football. When he’s learned the language, he’ll be able to slot in even better. He has massive potential and he’s doing well. He’s so quick in one-on-ones; you can see the quality he has. He can add a great deal to our midfield.”

Speaking of another new signing, what have you made of your fellow midfielder Bryan Cristante?

“He’s a very strong player physically. He’s still young but has experience in Serie A and has an understanding of what he needs to do. The boy has got a big future in Italian football and at Roma. He’s integrated well with the rest of the players. We know him well from last year – with Atalanta he was always tough to play against.”

Another midfield addition has been World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi. That’s a big coup for Roma.

“We only brought him in a few days ago. Other teams wanted him but he picked Roma, which is a good sign for us. He’s an expert in his role and has a lot to give Roma. We’ve got a lot of midfielders in the squad, but it’s better that way because we’ll all be able to play, given the number of games we’ll have.”

Following the match against Real Madrid in America, Di Francesco told us that the performance was influenced by the amount of work you’d done in the days prior to the game. What Roma team will we see in the starting blocks and how is the team from a mental standpoint?

“It’s hard to say whether the team is ready, mentally speaking. The answer to that will be seen on the field. I believe we’re ready. From a physical perspective we’ve worked very hard and we know where we stand. There’s been a lot of talk about us fighting for the Scudetto, but we need to show we’re up to the task on the pitch.”

Let’s talk about the first game of the season. How tough is it to play the first game away, at Torino?

“It won’t be a problem kicking the season off away from home. It doesn’t make a difference. We need to play every side twice – once at home and once away.”

Torino have already played a competitive game, in the Coppa Italia. Could that make things extra difficult for you on Sunday?

“They’re a tough side. It’s always hard to win at the Olimpico di Torino and it will be again this year. We’ll need to be fully focused for the full 90 minutes.”

How are you expecting the league to go? What do you think of the other teams?

“It’s hard to say before a ball has been kicked. We need to focus on ourselves and what we are capable of. Many teams have strengthened. Juventus are even more fearsome with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. We’re a strong team too and we need to get off to a good start.”

Finally, what would you be willing to do in order to win something with Roma?

“Let’s see each other at the end of the season – we’ll have an interview and you can ask me the same question! Okay? Jokes aside, I’ve still not won anything with Roma, but we are working hard to do so.”