Fonseca: ‘Not satisfied with Roma result’

Paulo Fonseca was ‘not satisfied with the result, but Roma had a good game’ in their 2-2 draw with 10-man Juventus and explained his lack of changes.

The Giallorossi had twice taken the lead through Jordan Veretout and wasted the chances to put themselves beyond reach, especially with Edin Dzeko hitting the post and Adrien Rabiot’s red card.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s towering header secured a 2-2 draw for Juve at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I think we had a good game, but I am not satisfied with the result. We created chances and played to win the match,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“I saw Dzeko focused, motivated, he worked hard for the team. There were errors in front of goal, as everyone did, but he played well this evening.”

Fonseca only made two substitutions out of an available five and they lost intensity towards the end of the match.

“I felt the team was always comfortable, we didn’t allow Juve any real chances and were solid defensively. I saw Lorenzo Pellegrini was tired, so I took him off.

“We can make five substitutions, but if I felt the team was doing well, they weren’t necessary. I asked Mkhitaryan, Pedro and Dzeko if they needed to come off, they all said no, so there was no need to change.”

Fonseca was asked if he had been consulted on the potential Dzeko sale to Juventus.

“I have total faith in the club. The new President has just arrived, we are talking regularly, working to find the best solution for this squad. Dzeko was a normal situation we all understand, we all talked about it and were agreed on the approach to take.”

Marash Kumbulla made his debut this evening along with Roger Ibanez and Gianluca Mancini.

“It’s true we have three young defenders, but they are talented and proved today we are a strong team defensively. Antonio Mirante only had one save to make and the centre-backs were really focused.

“I am not satisfied with the result, but I am satisfied with the performance, the attitude and the courage of the squad.”

Roma technically only have one point, because last week’s 0-0 draw with Verona was turned into a 3-0 forfeit when Amadou Diawara was registered incorrectly as an Under-22 player. Did that error make Fonseca angry?

“It was a difficult situation, but we can’t change the past now, we have to focus on the future.”

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