Mkhitaryan: We need to focus on our mentality

Mkhitaryan scored either side of strikes from Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne, as Paulo Fonseca's side fell to their third successive defeat in Serie A.

Here is what the Armenian had to say to Roma TV after the contest...

A shame about the defeat, now three in a row. But there were some positives…

“I think that today we played better than in the last few games. We lost the game but I don’t think we deserved to. We were trying very hard, we were doing our best and trying to get back in the game after conceding the goal.

“I equalised and we had some moments, some chances to score and go ahead in the game, but I think we were a bit lacking in concentration for Insigne’s goal and that is why we conceded. But I can say that even though we have lost three games in a row, I can say that we are really working hard and trying to get that first win and then we will have more confidence for the rest of the season.”

Do you need to work more on the head or the legs at this point?

“I think it’s more to work on the mentality. I think we have to be calm right now, we don’t have to go crazy about it, thinking that we have lost three games and everything is now lost. We still have eight games to play and everything is in our hands, because if we win a few games we are back on track – and hopefully we can do that.

“I see the potential in the team. It is not just words, we have a very balanced team. We just need that win.

"In these moments you see if a team is a team. In my opinion we are a team, because we are trying to stick together – we are trying to help each other out, even if it is a hard moment, and then you will see if everything is all right. In my opinion we are doing the right things and I am very confident that in the next game, if we stay strong mentally, we can win the game and prove ourselves.”

Right now, does the team have what it takes physically and mentally?

“I think, yes. First of all the thing is mentality: because if mentally you are strong then you can always improve physically. If you are not mentally strong enough then it doesn’t matter if you are strong physically or not, you won’t be able to perform on the pitch. So it is more about the mentality.

“That is why we need to be more focused on the mentality. The physicality is just a matter of training, a matter of time. I think we are improving physically, and physically in one or two games we will be better, because we also have a longer bench and that will help us. So I am sure that mentally we have that capacity to be a top team.”

How do you feel physically? Because the team needs you over the next few games too…

“Physically I am good, because I have played all the games since the restart of the championship.

"Of course there have been some rotations but I think in any team you don’t need just experienced players. You need a mix, you need some experienced players, you need some strong players, you need some young players, you need some intelligent players. I am sure the coach knows very well how to choose the team.

“I am here to help the team and I am sure all the experienced players are here to help the younger players and our other players, and we will do that. Of course we are a team and we need to get out of this situation and I am pretty sure we can do that.”