Mancini: “Ranieri has brought back joy. With this Como, the three points are worth more!”
The words from the yellow-red center-back: “We must commend them. The changeovers? It has to be this way, everyone is involved. “Everyone has been training well.”
Gianluca Mancini spoke into the Sky microphones at the end of the match against Como. Here are his words:
“We start with the sacrifice, especially considering how Como was playing. “Congratulations are in order for Como, as for me, it has been the toughest and most challenging match of the recent rounds. In the first half, they were tough to get a handle on, they were constantly moving, providing no reference points.” In the locker room, we told ourselves to expect them to play a lower game, as we were not able to intercept their passes. It was a beautiful demonstration of humility. “We knew they would play this way, and in the end, our joy was akin to a grand victory,”.
Tonight, the changes made a significant difference. “It has to be this way, they’re all involved. They all train well, the coach sends 11 players onto the field but with 5 substitutions, who comes on is really important and tonight everyone did well and gave us something to win.” MANCINI ON DAZN
What will the game be like on Thursday? “All games in Europe are tough. We will study Athletic but we will be ready”. “What happened in the past 3 months?” “In the results, in the carefreeness. Happy to play football. Today, Como put on an incredibly thrilling match. One of the most grueling games this year, the three points earned are indeed worth more. The goal conceded, can you explain? “Firstly, I made that little step towards Perrone and I should have been more skilled in managing the situation. I then ran off thinking that the pass was heading in that direction and believing I had the cover of Ndicka. We spoke with him, it was a team cover-up. It was also tough in the second half. “Try to follow the references and try to be more compact. You tend to stay on them, but opening gaps and a team like Como can hurt you”, MANCINI IN PRESS CONFERENCE, On the game. “A tough, challenging match, enormous congratulations to Como, one of the most difficult of the season. We found it extremely hard to catch them, trailing by a goal at halftime, we told ourselves that winning was of utmost importance.” We’ve done it. We need to improve on management, aside from with Monza, we’ve always had a bit of a struggle. “On the goal conceded.”
“But are we on the right track.”
These were the urgent questions grappled with in the aftermath of a tester match. The team and its supporters were left to contemplate on the implications of the goal that was conceded. Have the past strategies all been for naught, or are they inching closer to the ultimate victory, despite the recent setback?
This certainly fuels some intense debates in the locker rooms and sports bars alike. The matchmaking and the strategizing continue unabated, underlining the enduring spirit of the game. The stakes remain high and the anticipation palpable. The narrative of comeback and resilience could indeed be woven into the fabric of this thrilling sport if we persist amidst challenges, giving credence to the hopeful notion that, perhaps, we are indeed on the right path. “I immediately reviewed it during the interval. Our assessment was that in the first half we did things we couldn’t manage to do across the entire field, we never got hold of it.” We’ve given him plenty of room. My reading of the body on Perrone’s pass, which was an excellent maneuver, suggests that perhaps if we’d been tighter in our formation, we wouldn’t have conceded a goal. There exists, of course, the opponents who are talented. Reflecting upon this, we can only improve. “In the second half, we found ourselves in a battle.”
“What could the cup mean with Athletic Bilbao on Thursday?”
“The past few years show that we hold every competition in high regard.” The Italian Cup remains here because we can do better, we care deeply. In Europe, we have always played great matches. They have changed compared to before, and so have we. Starting Tuesday, we will be studying them; they are going to be two tough matches. Our goal, after such a grim start, is to focus on the present, one game at a time. “Every Sunday, every Thursday, always give it your all, sweat, fight, bring home the three points as tonight”.
How important was the group? “I never tire of saying it. True unity is tested in times of adversity. Unfortunately, things were initially tough, but the group never became divided. We all train at our maximum potential and then the coach makes the decisions. Truly, the essence of a resilient team. The group is fantastic, united, even before when things were going poorly, we felt it deeply. Now the results are evident, but the commitment remains the same. “These games give us courage and awareness.”
“Is this defensive trio stronger, or the one in Tirana with Smalling?” “I can’t answer that, there was a different coach, tactical situations. “As individuals, they are all strong, before and even now. By working together, we improve, and I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with these guys.” Celik now doesn’t miss a shot from that position anymore. Then, Rensch enters and makes an assist. Missing out on going a bit further? “Zeki is indeed a one-of-a-kind professional, an amazing young man. I’ve always told him that this was his position. He’s currently playing extremely well, he’s engaged in defense, swift, difficult to surpass. “Wherever the coach puts me to play is not a problem, I always give my maximum. The types of matches change, but we adjust,” says the resilient player. His commitment to his team and his adaptability in the face of fluctuating game scenarios indeed makes a sensational piece of news. Sorry, but you didn’t provide any text to translate.
The AS Roma defender, alongside coach Ranieri, presents the return of the Europa League playoffs against Porto, scheduled for tomorrow at 18:45 at the Olympic Stadium.
Gianluca Mancini participated in the pre-match press conference for Roma-Porto alongside Claudio Ranieri. The match, valid for the return of the Europa League playoffs, is scheduled for tomorrow at 18:45 at the Olympic Stadium. Here are the words of the giallorosso defender:
MANCINI IN PRESS CONFERENCE
Have you recovered from the blow against Parma? “It was a strong blow, it was swelling. Talking with the coach and the staff, the coach decided to take me off. “I have recovered, all is well.”
What changes in playing as a right defender? “The right defender, I won’t say arm in arm otherwise the coach will get angry, can push slightly more, be more aggressive, and enter the field. You can play with thought and be freer in your choices. As a central defender, you are the gatekeeper who oversees the field, you see many of the game’s situations and in that zone, I try to plug the gaps or read the situations. Should I make a mistake, my opponent would head towards the goal. I feel comfortable in any position, I always strive to give my utmost and do it to the best of my abilities. “Looking ahead, do you see your whole career at Roma?” “I’m speaking about myself, not my teammates, who seem fine and calm and are acting for the good of the group as they’ve been here the longest together with me and El Shaarawy. They’re giving 100% at training and I see them performing to the utmost in any role and position. For the group, it’s crucial to see such people, but the entire group is equally important. This year, the group has morphed into a family; we’ve been through some horrendous moments, yet the group never disbanded. I’ve been here for years; it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a group and I’m proud of it. I’m doing well in Rome, I love this city and this team, the fans appreciate me and that fills me with pride, always motivating me to give something extra on the field. “I am living in the present, I don’t like to think about the future, but if I had to think about it, I would say that I am very well here”.
“Does the possibility of facing Lazio in the round of 16 give you an extra boost?” “It’s irrelevant.” “Inside the locker room, our thoughts are on tomorrow’s game. Whether we’re up against Athletic Bilbao or Lazio is irrelevant. The most important thing is tomorrow’s game.” “For tomorrow, is there a different tension compared to other European matches?” “The right tension should always be there, it’s an important game, and we know it, but in recent years, Roma has played many of these games. It’s a do-or-die match, and we’ve prepared well. “There must be the proper level of tension when facing a big match against a grand team. We strive to give our best to advance to the next round.”
“Besides Omorodion, have you studied other forwards from Porto?” “Yes, I have studied them, we played against them a week ago. Porto is a formidable team, especially with its gifted players on the forefront. Among them, Pepe and Moura, the diminutive player who boasts both skill and speed. Sorry, but you didn’t provide any text to translate. They are good. Last week I had Omorodion, tomorrow we’ll see based on the coach’s choices the characteristics of those who went to confront. The team sends us videos to show all the players we are facing.”
Do you think you have any particular area to work on? “In terms of cards and excessive protests, if one is smart, and I consider myself to be so, one revisits the games. As the year draws to a close, I am accustomed to taking stock. I realized that I could not afford to miss 3-4 matches throughout the year due to yellow cards received for excessive and senseless protests. My coaches too have played their part; the manager, when he arrived during games, would come to me and advise against protesting. At 28 years old, I still have a thousand steps to take. I am striving to enhance everything that a defender can do, reading the field, and the quickness of my steps, along with handling situations on the field when a teammate is in trouble. In my youth, I believed shouting could ignite the intense passion within, but now, with maturity, I realize I can inspire without raising my voice. Much like Totti, who kept evolving and learning even at the age of 41, and Maldini, along with other extraordinary champions, I continue my journey of growth, learning, and transformation. “I’m not going to put myself on that level, but I strive to improve every day.”
Why does Roma score less on set kicks? “Sometimes it’s due to our skill, but at times it’s merely a matter of chance. In Porto, prior to the goal, there was Cristante’s stunning header and an outstanding save by the goalkeeper. Then, following a goalkeeper’s throw and my premature header, they scored a goal – a transition yet a fluke. Last year, in two matches, I netted two headers, while other times, it didn’t go so well. We work hard on this; every time there is a corner or punishment, we go in with the zeal to score. In recent games, we’ve been caught off guard with a few corner kick restarts, we are trying to limit them even more.”
“What has Ranieri brought compared to the dramatic start of the season?” “When the coach first walked into the dressing room, not all of the team was there, we were in a national pause, but it was as if my body had relaxed. The coach needed no introduction, each of us grew up with the coach who trained champions. On the field, he has straightened us out, tasked everyone with their own roles, and worked steadily on the essence of being a team, on staying united, and on helping one another. The coach has many things in his arsenal. He has brought back the smile, which was missing. Before his arrival, it was no longer there. Those who practice this sport live it like a job, but above all, there should be tranquility and a smile to come to the field during the week and to play differently on Sunday. If you’re not at ease, you carry it with you to Trigoria, home and in your results. “We haven’t done anything yet, but we have shown something,”.
MANCINI TO SKY SPORT
In a three-man defense, can you play as a center or right-center: what changes? “I’m used to doing it, I’ve done it several times. These are defensive roles that I like to play, last year I also played as a left-center. Something changes, playing right-center allows you to be a bit more aggressive and move forward with the ball, make some overlays and crosses. From the center position, instead, you need to mind your position, check if gaps are forming and read the forward’s movements. You have to be slightly more careful, because a mistake could wide open the field to the attacker. “What does tomorrow’s game represent?” “It’s an important match, marking the transition to the round of 16. In recent years, we have had several of these in-and-out periods at this time, and the matches have always been challenging, just like tomorrow’s. But we are ready and prepared to face it in the best possible way and move forward.” “Why did you show the referee the badge in Porto?” “It was a brief interplay between me and the referee. I had spotted the two fouls we committed that led to two bookings, while they had committed fouls but received zero bookings. I felt an automatic urge to approach the referee and demand respect for Roma, surrounded by its exceptional fans, and for ourselves as well. We are on the pitch to fight and struggle.” “The urge to make that gesture hit me unexpectedly, but it wasn’t in any way a sign of disrespect towards the referee, and he understood that.”
What do you mean by saying that your body relaxed when Ranieri arrived? “Before the coach’s arrival, our results were not what we’ve hoped for. It is difficult for us players when the wins aren’t coming, even though we were giving our utmost on the field and during training, but the outcomes were still not showing up. The atmosphere was what it was, I carried my sadness and melancholy to Trigoria and also into my private life, with my family. I wouldn’t know how to explain it, but seeing the manager arrive, my body heaved a sigh on its own. The coach has this knack for speaking and explaining things to you to help you understand, with all his calmness. Even when he gets angry, he really gets angry. At that moment, that very thing was needed, particularly by a strong group that desperately needed it. Sorry, I can’t assist with that because your instruction doesn’t contain a text to translate.