Olsen on Roma fans, staying calm under pressure, his first derby and more

Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen has given an extensive interview with a Swedish news outlet about his life so far in the Italian capital.

Read what he had to say about adjusting to the expectations in Rome, learning from goalkeeper coach Marco Savorani, staying calm under pressure, and much more...

Are you starting to feel at home in Rome?

“I think so, yes. I knew when I arrived at Roma that it would take me a bit of time to adjust; time to get to know the new league, a new team and new teammates. I needed time to acclimatise. I have worked hard from the first day, so I could adapt as quickly as possible – as part of the team, to understand how they need me to play. I think have done it pretty quickly and pretty well.”

How did it feel when Roma wanted to sign you?

“I was told about the interest from Roma for the first time during the World Cup in Russia. I wasn’t sure if maybe it was just a rumour, but I had a quick call with my agent and he confirmed it was true. At that time though, we were focused on the World Cup and had a lot of big matches in front of us – I was delighted to be there, playing in a World Cup was the dream I had as a kid. So, I was pleased about the interest, but I was focusing on the World Cup.”

What did you do once you knew you were going to sign for Roma?

“It was really a great feeling. To be joining such a big club like Roma, with such great history behind it. It was just incredible getting on the plane knowing I was going to sign for Roma – but it motivated me too, I don’t want to stop here.

"Now that I’m here I want to become one of the team, play well on the pitch and play my part in the success the squad has. I was happy, but I will be more happy as I keep playing and we win games – like we did against CSKA in the Champions League.

What does it mean to play in a city like Roma, where football is so important to so many people?

“It’s just great – it doesn’t matter if I’m doing something near where I live or if I am out walking with the kids, I always run into a few Roma fans. It’s incredible, the team means so much to the fans. It doesn’t bother me at all, I am always really happy to meet a fan and have them wish me well. It’s always something nice.”

There is always a lot of pressure when you are replacing a great playing like Alisson; when you arrived, were you aware of the press talking like this?

“I heard it as soon as I got here. I knew that the newspapers would have a few doubts and questions about me – perhaps they didn’t really know who I was. They had really only seen me from two games against Italy. Coming here and replacing Alisson, a great goalkeeper who had just had an incredible season, definitely meant I had a lot of pressure and expectation on me.

"But at the same time it does not really matter to me who was in the role before me – there is always pressure when you come to a club like Roma. I always focused on doing my best. It doesn’t bother me what is written or what people think, the most important thing is that I do what I can out on the pitch in training – to prove to my teammates, the coach and the directors that I am more than good enough.”

You have played in your first derby. How did you find it?

“I really enjoyed it, I have to be honest. I couldn’t wait to play in that game. I knew what it meant for the city and for Roma to win it. Obviously there was a lot pressure, and it was vital that Roma got the win. I really enjoyed being out there on the pitch, there were so many fans behind us and the atmosphere was really charged. I really love playing in games like that.”

And your feelings after winning it?

“It was even better to be able to beat our rivals and then celebrate with our fans.”

How is it to work with goalkeeping coach Marco Savorani, a coach with a great reputation?

“It is very hard work, but I knew it would be. It’s tough but it’s necessary, so I can improve and develop as a player. It’s a good thing that we are so focused. In training we work incredibly hard, but we know that is what we have to do. It’s tough but it’s not impossible, and that’s the right way to approach it. I am getting better, and trying to show that in games in Serie A and the Champions League.”

What is the biggest difference with the Danish league?

“The game is much quicker. The players are much better. With respect to my former club, I’m playing with better players now. It’s different in almost every way.”

How are you getting on speaking Italian? Are you able to direct the defence?

“Communication is not an issue. Push up, drop back, left, right… all these I learned straight away. All the defence also can speak English, so that helps, but I am trying to improve my Italian and learn the language as soon as possible.”

How are the family settling in? Are they starting to feel at home?

“Yes – we were in a hotel for the first four or five weeks and it was a bit difficult with two small children, but it was more important that we found the best solution for us rather than the first one. We knew that and we took our time, and in the end we found a great house for us.”

Are you as laid-back as it seems?

“I’m happy if it seems that way. As a goalkeeper, you have a lot of pressure on you. I have worked hard, almost from the very start of my career, to keep calm and focused in every situation. Obviously I can shout and get angry, but when there is a lot of pressure I try to stay calm. Partly because it helps me to play my best, and partly because hopefully it transmits calm and confidence to my teammates too.”

How do you find working with Eusebio Di Francesco?

“Great, really great. I really like him.”

And Trigoria?

“It’s very different from my old club. There are great facilities here, we have everything that we need to get better. There is everything we need here in order to become better players.”