Former Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanić spoke to La Repubblica about a series of topics including the latest rumours linking Paulo Dybala with the capital club as well as Pjanić’s own past with the Giallorossi.
“It’s a great regret that I carry with myself at all times that I couldn’t win in Rome,” said the 32-year-old.
“We had a very strong team but unfortunately year after year important players always left, you couldn’t build with continuity.”
“But it was a great team, [former sporting director Walter] Sabatini did a great job. Something was missing, not much.”
“And Juventus were having incredible seasons, including the record of league points, and so we couldn’t win the Scudetto even if it was a goal for all of us.”
“We lacked an ownership that could manage what was happening around the team, to put some pressure on it.”
“At Juve there is a very strong front office, which puts players in the best position to win, to focus only on the pitch and nothing else. Rome was missing that at that time.”
“I now see an ownership that is present, with a great coach like Mourinho who is bringing out the best in the players at his disposal, and is taking Roma to a final in his first year.”
“Mou brought a certain kind of madness that was missing in recent years,” added Pjanić.
“At Roma there have always been very good coaches: Luis Enrique, Rudi Garcia, Spalletti… all of them very prepared, very strong.”
“But Mou has won everywhere he’s been, he has a European resume in the best football leagues. He can handle pressure situations.”
“And of course with his communication, which is very important, he is removing a lot of pressure from the team. He’s doing a great job this year.”
When asked about Roma’s upcoming transfer window, Pjanić replied, “Dybala would be perfect for Roma and Roma would be perfect for him.”
“From what I understand, Roma must take a step forward, with a few more champions on their roster.”
“And players like Paulo tend to improve the teams they play for and he would definitely improve Roma. It may be a solution and I’d love to see him there.”
