Roma president James Pallotta appeared on Roma Radio this afternoon after his interview with Sirius XM was picked up today and Italy and caused controversy after the Roma #1 seemingly questioned the fitness of his team and the decisions of Luciano Spalletti:
“I appeared in the radio show yesterday as a favor and to announce our US tour. I’m a bit surprised at how my words were taken out of context.”
“Let’s be clear, we were analyzing the lastest matches and against Lyon, the team in the last 5-10 minutes looked tired. First of all I would never criticize Spalletti publicly, it is foolish to want to publicly criticize the coach. If I have something to say to him we do so in private.”
“We’ve played many important matches in a row there was a bit of nervousness and adrenaline in some of the guys. Some players were in trouble, but they are fit. These things happen in all sports, it is physiological. The team will react, I have confidence in them.”
Pallotta then addressed the controversy surrounding his criticism of the Giallorossi’s transfer dealings: ““Again, transfer market campaigns are not easy or simple. You can’t just pick up a phone, say ‘I want you’ and it’s done. Walter (Sabatini) did a great job for four plus years, we can’t criticise how hard he worked and what he tried to do in order to improve Roma. What is frustrating is when I see some of our youngsters being loaned out to get playing time but then they end up not playing.”
