Juric's pre-Venezia media conference

Here's what the boss had to say...

How do you explain the different performances produced by Roma in the first and second half of the game against Athletic Club?

“I could tell you that we ran more in the second half than in the first, which shows it's got nothing to do with fitness. Games change. You can't dominate against teams like that for 90 minutes.

“What I noticed is that there were players who hadn't played much, some who hadn't played a match in four months. Bilbao never had any chances. [Mile] Svilar didn't have a single save to make. That means we were very focused and kept up the intensity. Where I think we can improve is in keeping the ball more in those situations. Because we're able to do that. Maybe we need to be a little bit less open – and it might be because you're tired, like in [Mario] Hermoso's case – and adopt the mindset of seeing out the result. That's where I think we can improve.

“The data says we ran a lot in the second half and gave our opponents nothing, but for sure we prefer to play like we did in the second half.”

Can the fact that you have lots of games at the moment help the team to take your ideas on board, which we're already seeing?

“I have a really good feeling. I think they like this kind of football. They're buying into it and enjoying themselves. I get the feeling they want to play as soon as possible. We spoke a bit after the game. Their feeling – and my feeling – is very good and that helps you go into games with the wind in your sails.”

How is Lorenzo Pellegrini? Could he be involved in this game? He's the captain and it's a slightly delicate moment for him. How does he seem to you and what does he need to do?

“His attitude has been exceptional. He's trained separately the last few days and he wants to try and train with the others today. He's desperate to play. He's a bit sore but he wants to be involved. His behaviour has been exemplary. He's determined to show what he can do, to play and do his bit for the team.”

You haven't used Mats Hummels or Samuel Dahl yet. How long will it be before we see them on the pitch?

“Hummels, as soon as possible. He needs to get back to full fitness because he missed pre-season and it takes a bit of time. He's working hard and we want him to work hard so that he can reach a good level. If we did less work, he wouldn't be able to give us much and what he could give us wouldn't be enough. We're pushing hard and I hope to be able to include him as soon as possible.

“Dahl is a young player and we need to assess him properly. We have youngsters with good qualities but we need to make our choices carefully.”

What are you doing to prevent muscle injuries given that you're playing back-to-back games at the moment? Zeki Celik and Paulo Dybala had to be withdrawn in the last game, for example.

“Celik and Dybala are fine. They have no injuries or any other problems. Celik wants to train and Paulo wants to try too – it was just a feeling he had. So there's no problem there. In any case, we have staff of the highest quality here. And the facilities in Trigoria offer you everything you need for players to recover.

“That's something you have to work really hard at – less on the pitch and more on recovery. Recovery techniques are improving too and we're working in that regard.

“I think you need 20 players you can switch in and out. And those who don't play, train. But in the long run, if you play and play and play, you don't train. So when you have a week to train, you have to do the work on the pitch as that helps you be strong during the game.

“You have to be smart, play hard and focus on recovery but you also have to manage the squad and involve as many players as possible in matches.

“Intensity is another thing. A team like Roma has to play with intensity at all times. You can't afford to play at 70%. The team has to go full-out at all times if we want to obtain results.”

Florent Ghisolfi has given you a lot of support over the last few days. What's your relationship like?

“We speak a lot, as you'd expect the sporting director and the coach to do. We share everything. He's welcomed me in really well.

“It's a professional relationship which is developing into a personal relationship. I'm very happy with how things have gone so far. We're up front with each other and don't hide anything. So far, so good. Very good. I'm happy.”

Have you spoken to Enzo Le Fee? Will he be out a long time? What sort of player do you see him as?

“He looked ready. Hopefully he'll train with the team next week. I see him as a midfielder. From what I saw in France, he's my sort of midfielder. Skilful and dynamic. He can do a good job defensively too because he's had coaches in the past who have drummed that side of the game into him.”

If Celik doesn't make it, is Saud Abdulhamid reliable enough to play there or would you prefer a more experienced player, albeit slightly out of position, like Stephan El Shaarawy?

“I think it's what you expect with players who come from a completely different world. He's very talented – fast, aggressive, physical – but obviously when you come into a new environment it takes time.

“The other day I put him on to see where he's at. You don't get the full picture from the training ground alone. He'll get better with time, that's for sure. We have to be careful with Hermoso and other players who haven't played for a long time, and decide whether it's a good idea to give them back-to-back games so soon. We want to give the lad time, give all of them time, and not judge anyone now but further down the line.”

Do you already have some midfield partnerships in mind? Do you think Manu Kone and Niccolo Pisilli can play together?

“I'm thinking about it. I'll see in training. Generally I like what Kone and Pisilli have to offer, going on what I've seen in these last few days. They're keen to work and improve – and that's key. I like what I see already but I think they can get even better. I like working with promising players like them.”