Fonseca: Mentality is the most important thing

Are you thinking of dropping Gianluca Mancini back into defence?

“We'll see tomorrow. I don't want to talk about my team selection today. Don't ask me about the line-up because I won't tell you.”

How much will Napoli miss Carlo Ancelotti tomorrow if his touchline ban stands? What do you think of him?

“He's a superb coach who has won trophies at some of the biggest clubs. I have great respect for him. He's professional and honest. I like him a lot. I hope he's in the dugout tomorrow.”

Your defence has been working very well. How are Leonardo Spinazzola and Juan Jesus?

“They're both ready. It was my decision not to play Spinazzola against Udinese but both of them are available.”

We're seeing the real Javier Pastore now. How is he? Can he keep playing all these games?

“Pastore's situation is very clear to me – it's all about fitness. He's playing well. We don't have many alternatives at the moment and he's fine.”

People have been talking about Mert Cetin, who's done well. What sort of player is he? Is there a chance he could earn a place in the team?

“Yes, he could. He's a good lad and he's learning every day. He could be an option but I don't know yet.”

Did you expect to be above Napoli at this stage of the season?

“The most important thing to me is that we approach games positively. If we take the same approach as in our last two matches, we'll have a better chance of winning lots of games. It enables us to fight in matches and perform well.”

Roma have suffered injury problems and refereeing errors in this first part of the season. Has that helped bring the team closer together and bring out their character?

“Yes. It's true that some players started playing because of injuries but the most important thing is we show ambition and that's what we're doing at the moment. I think it's very important to see that in all the players.”

Is tomorrow a head-to-head clash for the Champions League?

“Tomorrow's match is all that matters to me. We're up against a great team and I can't think about anything other than this game.”

You faced Maurizio Sarri's Napoli two years ago. How was that team different to this one?

“I don't like making comparisons. Sarri's team was very good but they've changed players and coach since then and play different football now. Both teams are very good, albeit with different characteristics.”

You seem to have really got the fans on your side after the Udinese game. What do you think you've done exactly? Is the move leading up to Justin Kluivert's goal an advert for Fonseca's football?

“I think it's the players who are important, not me. Roma is important. I do like my team to keep possession and we're working to do that more effectively but all that really matters is the players understand we must be ambitious, that we must battle and run the whole game long. Mentality is the most important thing. I'm working with the team to make them even more ambitious. Kluivert's goal was a nice move. We played out from the back and attacked quickly, which is something we work on in training. It's one of our playing principles. It was a nice move.”

What sort of influence is Gianluca Petrachi having?

“He's very present, always close to the team. He talks to us a lot and is demanding. Having him around the team is a big positive. He's with us every day and that's really important.”

Was Chris Smalling your idea or Petrachi's? How do you think he's settling into life in Serie A?

“The first time we spoke about Smalling it was Petrachi who brought him up – he told me about the possibility of bringing him in. Chris has settled in nicely and he's playing well. He's a great player and very important to this team.”

Will you defend deeper against Napoli to make it harder for them to make runs in behind?

“No, we always set out to stay compact as a team and to defend far away from our goal. We'll do the same thing tomorrow. We know they're a great side but we must stay compact and if possible keep them away from our goal.”

There were lots of refereeing situations that caused a stir in the last round of games and Aurelio De Laurentiis complained about it. What do you think of his comments?

“I'm not going to comment on what De Laurentiis said – that's his view. I respect it but won't comment on it. It's true that we've seen lots of mistakes lately but I think everyone wants to improve. I hope nobody will be talking about the referee at the end of tomorrow's game.”