Speaking at today’s unveiling of new acquisition Jonathan Silva, Roma sporting director, Monchi, defended the Giallorossi’s transfer campaign despite the wide-ranging criticism. Here is an excerpt of his words:
“We are convinced Jonathan Silva will have a good journey with us. He is a player who we know well, he has had a beautiful path at Estudiantes, Boca and Sporting. He is a footballer who has the characteristics we are looking for at fullback and those that Eusebio likes. What must he improve? He is still young, there are many things he has to improve.”
“A review of our market? The balance from a sporting perspective was normal. Castan and Nura left on loan, while Emerson and Moreno were sold. As for the purchase of Silva, if we look at the level of participation of the players who left, they played very little, I am convinced that we had the transfer market that the club needed. We certainly could have done better, but we followed the right path. Once Silva gets to know this club better, I think it will be easier to work. I am convinced that I have to improve to continue the path I have in my head for my Roma, but I am also convinced that these nine months have been a chance to improve.”
“I am convinced that nobody can be happy with fifth place. But I believe we should not look to place blame without finding a solution. The first person responsible is me, I am responsible for building the squad and the team, I make the decisions. If anyone wants to blame someone for the current moment the team is in it is right here, look no further. We can all improve, the players, cosches and the sporting director, but I am 100% convinced that the team, the players, everyone, understands that there is something to improve on.
“Daley Blind? We were offered him and we assessed it from a sporting and economic perspective, but concluded that he wasn’t what we wanted to buy. Alisson? We haven’t received any offer for him.”
