Fonseca's comments after Spezia defeat

The Giallorossi went out to Spezia after a controversial game at the Stadio Olimpico.

Let’s start with the mistake: the sixth substitution made in extra-time.

“If there is an issue, we have time to discuss that internally. If there is.”

Roma were 2-0 down with 15 minutes – how did that happen?

“We had a bad start to the game; the penalty, and then another moment that’s hard to really understand. But the team responded, they played well, they created chances and it could have been a different result. We missed so many chances and so then, with two men sent off, it all became much harder.”

How do you bounce back from this?

“It’s a tough moment. We wanted to go further in the cup, but I can’t say anything bad about the attitude of the players. We have to now focus on the next game.”

You never thought about putting Edin Dzeko up front alongside Borja Mayoral?

“No – we created a lot of chances that could have changed the game. I think that in the derby, when I changed things and we put two strikers up top, we didn’t play well. With the system we had tonight we created a lot of chances. I don’t think it was a problem with the formation.”

Nine goals conceded in the last three games – is that too many?

“We are a team that wants to build from the back. But the goals we have conceded tonight were not from that first phase, but from long balls. As far as the first two goals go, it wasn’t an issue with our style of play.”

Bryan Cristante seems to struggle at centre-back, especially when Roma don’t have the ball. Why do you stick with that role?

“First and foremost, I have to say that Spezia did not create much over the 90 minutes tonight and Bryan did well defensively. Against a side that presses high like Spezia like to, Bryan’s ability to pass the ball out from the back is really important. He has played some great matches from that position.”

Now do you need the players to be able to forget what has happened? Does the team lack leadership?

“There is a problem with the mentality. Against Atalanta, Napoli and in the derby, when we have conceded goals we haven’t found the strength to bounce back. But tonight the boys, after going 2-0 down, showed that desire to change the game.

“It’s a tough moment, which can happen to every team, but today the boys showed they are a good side – and with all the chances they created over the 90 minutes they should have been able to win it.”

Do you feel under pressure now?

“My future has been up for discussion ever since I got here. I am encouraged by the position we have in the league right now – it’s where we want to be – and I have confidence in my team. But when we don’t win I am always being discussed. I have to stay focused on my job.”

Do you expect movement in the transfer market?

“We are all working on that.”