Fonseca: The players are fired up to get back to work

The Giallorossi kicked off 2020 by welcoming over 2,000 fans to the ground in order to watch the first team complete their first session of the New Year, as preparations continued for Sunday's Serie A return to action against Torino.

Here's what the Portuguese had to say after the workout...

A great day today, with the support and the passion of the Roma fans behind you…

“Unfortunately we weren't able to welcome every single fan who wanted to come here. It was a great afternoon, thanks to the enthusiasm of our supporters – they are always amazing with us. We are all delighted to have them here.”

Beyond their physical shape, what have you made of the attitude of the squad since their return?

“They understand that after the winter break it’s important to get back to work, because we are in an important period. We need to work hard in order to win, only by doing that can be successful. The squad is motivated and the players are doing well. We hope that the players will respond in the right way during this period.”

On Sunday Torino come to the Olimpico, another tough side to face...

“They are a very good side. Every game in this league is really difficult, and Torino will be no different.”

The Coppa Italia is also coming up – what are the aims for you in the competition?

“We have to focus on Sunday’s game, there’s time after that to worry about other games. We know that we will soon be heading into a difficult spell with a lot of tough games. Right now, however, we need to make sure we are focused only on Torino.”

Is there something from 2019 that you take with you into the New Year?

“Every moment is important. It’s been six happy months to start, I really am very pleased to be here in Rome. As I keep saying, though, we need balance and, above all, we need to keep working hard to keep on winning.”

Do you have any final message for the fans, both those here today and those who were unable to come?

“As I said before, it’s a shame we couldn’t accommodate everyone. Happy New Year to all, and forza Roma!”