Roma boss Paulo Fonseca spoke at his pre-match press conference today on the eve of his team’s opening clash against Verona.
Here’s what the Giallorossi’s manager had to say ahead of the start of the club’s 2020/2021 campaign.
Is Kumbulla ready to play?
He arrived yesterday and trained. He will be available, but he is not ready to start. He needs to better understand the way we play, which is different from Verona. I am satisfied, though — Kumbulla is a very intelligent guy and he understood almost everything I told him.
Kumbulla seems to be an example of the kind of work the new owners want to do — younger players.
Yes, I agree on this. We also have experienced players and we can do a mix of the two. I like this project of buying talented youngsters for the team.
Can Karsdorp be a starter for Roma or is it an emergency situation?
No it is not. He will play tomorrow and will remain with the team because we have faith in him. He has done a positive job in preseason and is a player ready to help the team, which is why he will stay with us for the season.
Are you satisfied with how the club is moving on the transfer market?
It’s not an easy transfer market, we don’t have much time. We are with (Roma CEO) Fienga and the president to find the best solutions. Some player arrivals are lacking, as are some departures, but I am satisfied with the work we are all doing together.
Will Pau Lopez start or will Mirante play?
We’ll see tomorrow.
Are the fullbacks enough to meet your needs?
Yes. Verona play very attacking, but Karsdorp and Spinazzola will play tomorrow and are ready for the match.
Is Roma getting stronger with Milik?
Dzeko is here with us, tomorrow he will be there. There is no point in talking about exchanges, because he is still with us.
Do you have faith in Smalling’s return?
I am in regular contact with Chris, I spoke to him yesterday. He wants to come back to Roma and we want to have him back. I think that there could be an update over the next few days
Will you play with a three or four man defence tomorrow?
We are ready for both, we can also change in during the match. We’ll see tomorrow.
