Schick: Important to fight for each other

Read what Patrik Schick had to say after he scored the winning goal for Roma on Monday against Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Giallorossi ran out 2-1 winners on the night, with Stephan El Shaarawy getting the other goal in what was coach Claudio Ranieri's first game back in charge.

Did you feel that it was important to score after Ranieri’s praise of you?

“I was motivated. I’m a striker and I wanted to score. I’m happy to have scored but most of all that we’ve won.”

Do you agree with Ranieri that your character is the main thing you need to improve on?

“The coach said I needed to show my competitive edge and work for the team. We all went out there with the mentality of helping our team-mates today. It might not have been the best game to watch, but it’s an important three points.”

Do you think you can give more playing up front with Dzeko?

“I think that all strikers do better when they’re playing alongside a team-mate and aren’t just alone surrounded by opposition players. I think that it could be better for Edin too.”

You’re struggling to play full games at the moment. How is your fitness?

“It was a difficult, physical game today. I had three weeks out not so long ago and I could feel that. I had cramp in the same place I had the injury so I was worried about picking up another one. I was very tired at the end.”