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| Spalletti keeps Roma focused |
Saturday 31 January, 2009 |
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Luciano Spalletti maintains Roma must not act any differently at Reggina despite going there with a decimated squad.
The Giallorossi are without Francesco Totti, Julio Baptista, Vincenzo Montella, John Arne Riise, Marco Cassetti, Simone Perrotta and outcast Christian Panucci.
However, Spalletti has included new signing Souleymane Diamoutene, who only completed his move from Lecce overnight.
“Diamoutene will be with us in Calabria. We had to make this choice, considering what has happened recently,” said the Coach.
“He is a strong defender, even if some would say he isn't. We know the lad well and lately he hasn't been able to play much at Lecce, but last season he was an impressive regular and has the characteristics we need at the moment.”
The Mali defender will wear the Number 21 jersey and was brought in because Panucci is set to walk away after a row with the tactician and Cassetti is out for three months injured.
“He has great physical strength and is remarkably sharp. He has a few problems in terms of concentration, but we can work on that. He has played both as a central defender and a right-back, while he's strong in the air. I'm happy with the signing.”
David Pizarro said the squad wants Panucci to stay at Roma, but this statement irritated Spalletti.
“He said nothing to me. Let us not confuse a locker room friendship with a professional matter and a player who clearly stated his position.”
Spalletti is missing several other stars, including captain Totti, who is suffering from a back problem, and Julio Baptista.
“It is a shame not to have the whole squad at my disposal, but I am used to it. When someone is missing, a strong squad must be able to make up for it.
“Naturally, missing someone important like Totti with his quality makes everything more difficult, but don't call it an emergency situation. I'll only say that when I don't have even 14 players at my disposal.”
The Giallorossi go to the Stadio Granillo against a side that is propping up the table.
“We are facing a team that already did very well at Torino midweek and brought back [Nevio] Orlandi on the bench, someone who saved the club from relegation last term.
“They are in a very difficult position, but these things compact the squad so they come together. If we go there thinking we are taking on the bottom club then we'll be making a huge mistake.”
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Totti out, Diamoutene in
Roma lose Francesco Totti for the trip to Reggina, but officially sign Lecce defender Souleymane Diamoutene. More |
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