Florenzi: We need to push on and show consistency

The Giallorossi host the Czech champions at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CEST.

Read what Florenzi had to say below.

How did you find it playing on the wing again in the derby?

“I felt good; I was happy to be on the pitch. My position is on the pitch, whenever I am there I am happy – I am available to the boss in any role he wants.”

[Di Francesco interjects] “Florenzi wants to be out there, that’s true, but where do you think his best position is…?’

“For now, at right-back.”

What sort of campaign are you expecting in the Champions League?

“We hope to repeat what we did last season, that’s our aim. We know that it will be very difficult, and will depend on plenty of factors beyond our control, along with how we do in the matches. This game tomorrow is crucial, it’s our first at home in this season’s Champions League and we want to produce a good account of ourselves.”

De Rossi wouldn't say that the bad spell is over at the weekend. What do you think?

“I agree with Daniele; I won’t say anything like that. We want to see more from this Roma, and that starts with us players and continues with everyone that can help us. We need to show that this moment is behind us and play with consistency.”

Between Bologna and the derby what changed in your minds? Was it the ritiro? The change in formation?

“For me it was mostly in the head, if the head is screwed on right you can not sleep a wink the night before and still play the best game of your life. We knew that we had to rediscover the right approach and I think we are on the right path again now.”

Davide Santon played well at full-back; what do you think of him?

“Clearly, he came here amid a bit of criticism – too much, for the player I know. We are close and have been for a while. I was very pleased that he joined Roma. I don’t judge myself and I don’t judge my teammates, but I think everyone would agree that he was one of the best players on the pitch in the last two games. I am pleased for him and hope that he will help Roma win a lot of other games too.”

Tomorrow you may well be the captain tomorrow, given De Rossi has a knock. How proud will you be?

“I will be proud, of course, every time I wear the armband. I will always be proud to captain the side and wear the Roma shirt. But I need to go a long, long way before I am like my two predecessors, who I prefer to call my two friends. Daniele De Rossi is the captain, I hope that he plays a lot of games because he is vital for us, both on and off the pitch.”

In his book, Totti said that you speak English in the dressing room – is that not a problem for the players’ unity?

“This year there are a lot of Italian players, though. We speak in Italian, we also speak in English with those who we need to. I try to do my best but I’m not like Daniele, who speaks English very well. With a family you try to help all of them. I have learned how to say a few things in Turkish, to help Cengiz on the pitch. We need to help everyone, even if they are learning Italian, as Cengiz, Robin Olsen and the other guys are.”

Are you able to play on the left wing as well?

“I don’t know, in a few hours you journalists will probably all know the formation before I do…”