Interviews

Fonseca speaks ahead of final Derby as Roma manager

RomaPress Staff
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Roma manager Paulo Fonseca faced the media today to preview tomorrow’s league clash against city rivals Lazio.

It will be his final Derby as manager of Roma following last week’s announcement that José Mourinho would be the club’s new coach beginning next season.

Since arriving in 2019, Fonseca hasn’t experienced any success against the Giallorossi’s bitter rivals. Roma will finish behind Lazio for the second consecutive season and haven’t won a single Derby match under Fonseca.

“The motivation for the Derby is the same,” he said. “Obviously not having the supporters at the stadium changes things, it was always a pleasure to have them at the stadium supporting us.”

“But these Derbies are unique, it’s tough to explain. I expect the team to be very motivated tomorrow even if we won’t have the supporters with us.”

“This was a very difficult season for us, we dealt with so many injuries. If we had all of our important players available to us, we could’ve finished higher in the table.”

Adding, “When we win or don’t win, I always ask myself many questions. I am primarily responsible for what happens in the team. When we make a mistake, I’m the first to try and find a solution.”

When asked about how he’s feeling entering his final week at the club, Fonseca said he has no regrets about his two seasons in charge.

“I leave here with a great sense of pride, there’s no regrets,” he explained.

“Usually during times like this, we tend to feel a sense of injustice. But that’s not the case for me, it’s been an honor to be the manager of AS Roma in these two seasons.”

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MatchDay 30
1 Apr 17:00
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