Juric: ‘Roma objective is Champions League, De Rossi worked well’ | OneFootball

Ivan Juric explains what Roma owners asked him to deliver after replacing Daniele De Rossi. ‘The objective is to stay in the Champions League consistently.’

The new coach will debut against surprise Serie A leaders Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

The Curva Sud ultras already announced they will leave their section of the stands empty for the opening 20 minutes and call on other supporters to do the same in protest at the shock dismissal of club icon De Rossi.

“Udinese proved over the first few games that their mentality has changed, they are playing good football and have a real tactical balance. At this moment, they are one of the strongest teams in Serie A, are physically strong, can score in a thousand different ways, so it will be very difficult to face them,” said Juric in his press conference.

It is widely believed that there were more going on behind the scenes to cause the De Rossi exit, so what did the club ask of Juric?

“The owners were very clear and direct. In my view, the shift is making the squad much younger overall, so they asked me to grow and develop players, but also certainly get results. The objective of the club is that Roma enter into the Champions League and stay there consistently over time. That is the main aim.”

There seems to be a lack of consistency, as Jose Mourinho was fired in mid-January and De Rossi only signed a new contract a couple of months ago.

“I think that results are always at the basis of dismissals, that’s what my career has taught me. If you don’t get results, you risk the sack. The team gave Daniele everything, that is my sensation, and I feel that the only reason for the change was results.”

Juric asked to fix Roma problems after De Rossi axed

Roma sacked De Rossi after just four games this season, where they drew three and lost one, but showed real problems scoring goals.

How does Juric think he can fix the problems that led to the surprise change of coach?

“What I saw last season in the first phase of the De Rossi era was a very aggressive Roma, and that seemed like something the players relished. More that about physical intensity, it’s about knowing your position and making it a balanced team. Many of the players I had at Torino were not suited to my football, but in the end they managed to adapt.

“My idea is to continue being very aggressive and with a high press. I’ve seen positives and negatives so far this season, often during the same game. I think Daniele did a great job with organisation and the behaviour of the players, and the fitness levels are good. I want to introduce some things that I saw in the past and I believe we can do.”

Nicola Zalewski was frozen out of the squad after turning down a transfer to Galatasaray, but Juric believes they are close to an agreement for a new contract.

“The situation is resolving itself in the right direction. He is a player that I like and can be important for us as the season goes on.”

Juric’s contract only runs to the end of the season, with a reported option to extend based on Champions League qualification.

“I have been coaching for 14 years and Roma is the biggest club I ever coached. I cannot deny it is a big opportunity and when those come along, you do not think about contracts, you just have to prove you’re up to it. Looking at the squad, I think we can do well.”