An interview with Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout was featured in the latest edition of the AS Roma Match Program for Sunday’s league match against Parma. Here’s what the Frenchman had to say:
You played 7 matches in 21 days during this very intense last period. Certainly, though, two defeats doesn’t cancel everything out.
Yes, we are coming off a positive period. We could have done better in the last two matches, but against Monchengladbach we conceded in the last seconds. Even against Parma we could have done much better. It was very important to use this international break to rest and I hope everyone will return to form against Brescia.
The fans, despite the defeat, supported you until the end against Parma.
The most important thing is to give 120% on the pitch. We gave a lot and in the end, we were exhausted, so the fans respected the team. It is important to have supporters like this – they came in great numbers to Parma and gave us strength.
Did you expect Mancini to be so strong even in midfield?
He had already played as a midfielder in his career. He is an intelligent defender with great technique. He has an aggressiveness that makes him even stronger. He’s doing well and I feel comfortable playing so close to him on the pitch.
Have you gotten acclimated with the team and city?
I joined a great team, a big club. Being involved in two competitions is very important to me. I love playing every three days so I can improve more and more. I feel good in Rome and I hope things continue like this.
The fans already consider you an idol.
It’s just how I am: I always give 120% on the pitch and put myself at the disposal of the team. I give total commitment but I can still improve by working hard in training.
What does Fonseca ask of you in particular?
He’s a manager that I like a lot because he likes to keep possession. He’s also told us that we have to do more if we want to get higher up in the table. He’s like his players to run a lot and fight hard. We’re trying to put into practice everything he asks of us.
What sort of match will it be against Brescia?
A difficult game awaits us just like the others. We need to get the three points and stay near the top. Brescia has many strong players so we’ll have to play great.
What can Roma do to still improve?
We can do better in all things. We still need to read the game a bit better and not concede in the dying moments as we did against Monchengladbch. If we can’t win a game, we must do everything not to lose it. These are the aspects in which we must improve.
What are your objectives?
My goal is to help the team as much as possible, I hope to do well in Rome and then be called up for the national team. But our team is more important,
