Fonseca buoyed by response to Sunday setback

Amadou Diawara scored the decisive late winner in a 2-1 triumph at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, as the Giallorossi bounced back after the weekend defeat to AC Milan.

Just how important was this win?

“It was a really tough game, but I think we deserved to win – especially after the second half performance. We created chances and we were solid at the back. It was really important to win here.”

How important is it to have Amadou Diawara back on form?

“He was sidelined for a long time. Since he’s come back, he’s been playing well. Today – even aside from the goal – he put in a brilliant performance. I’m pleased to have another option at my disposal.”

Does tonight’s win ease the pressure a bit?

“It’s hard to talk about it making things easier, but it was definitely important: we were coming from a defeat against AC Milan, and the side responded in the right way. It was important to realise, after not winning, what we needed to do to improve. The team showed the right attitude. We won a game that we really needed to win.”

What happens then when Roma are playing stronger sides? Is it still a mental issue?

“It’s true that we haven’t won against the big sides. Sometimes we are the ones making the mistakes, more than the other team are creating the chances. We have had some games against rivals where we have done a lot of good things, but we’ve always been lacking in one way or another. The team needs to improve when we play the best sides.”

It seems like the team’s defensive solidity depends a lot on the midfield; when you have Veretout alongside Pellegrini or Villar you create a lot, but when Veretout has Cristante or Diawara it feels more protected.

“We have needed to use Cristante in defence, we didn’t have other centre-backs and Diawara was still coming back. But it’s true, today the team looked solid defensively with Diawara in the middle.”

How serious is the injury to Veretout? And what did you talk about with Pedro before the game?

“The conversation with Pedro was a very normal one between a player and his coach. We talked about a few details, how he played when he came on at the weekend, where he can improve. Veretout has a muscle problem and we will have to evaluate that tomorrow.”