Ghisolfi: ‘Roma project just started, we want to win back fans’ | OneFootball

Roma director Florent Ghisolfi insists they have ‘only just begun’ the renovation process with new coach Ivan Juric and is eager to win back the ‘affection’ of the protesting fans.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi have had mixed results since Daniele De Rossi was sacked to make way for Juric, struggling to just one point in two Europa League games, while their Serie A form has also wavered.

Ghisolfi defends changing Roma plans

Ivan Juric in Elfsborg-Roma

EPA-EFE/Bjorn Larsson Rosvall SWEDEN OUT

“Juric arrived in a very difficult context, but he must be given time to do his work. The next seven games before the break will be important to understand how things are going,” Ghisolfi told DAZN.

It was particularly strange that Roma should pull the plug on De Rossi after only a few months, but above all only a few weeks into the new season when they had changed the squad so much with fresh signings.

“It is true that we invested heavily on the transfer market, but we also lowered the salary bill, we lowered the average age of the squad and this is a process we have only just begun. In comparison, Inter are a long way along in their project, but with them too it took time to see the results of that process.”

Roma fans have not taken the De Rossi dismissal at all well and continue their protests, switching between silence and insults aimed at the players.

Again this evening, the ultras in the Curva Sud will stay outside for the opening 15 minutes of the match.

“Naturally, playing in a warm atmosphere with our fans is special for us. We want to earn back their affection, we must work hard, sacrifice ourselves on the pitch, defend our values and give our best.”