Paulo Fonseca had to fend off more questions about Roma’s poor results against their direct rivals after losing 2-0 to Napoli on Sunday.
Roma could have kept their Champions League hopes alive with a win, but only had themselves to blame for falling two goals behind in the first half.
There was a better reaction in the second half, but still a lack of clear-cut opportunities.
Fonseca is under pressure once more as a result – and here’s how he reacted.
On yet more struggles against big sides
“Perhaps we don’t have the mentality required to compete against these sort of teams. In the first half the team looked to me to be without courage, without the right attitude – and in the second half it was completely different. In the second half we wanted to take the initiative and it was a very different game.”
On who takes responsibility
“We are all responsible. But when we are afraid of losing, or afraid of playing, it all becomes a lot harder. In the second half, though, the side showed what they are capable of.”
On tactical issues against Napoli
“I think the main tactical issue we had in the first half was that we allowed the ball to be passed down the wings without applying pressure – especially on the right. And then, when we dropped deeper, they had space to move the ball around.”
On whether Champions League football is still possible
“Yes, we have to continue to battle away. But if we play like we did in the first half today, it’s going to be tough. It’s hard to accept the difference between the two halves. This squad can do it.”
On how the dressing room react to these results
“It’s true that this issue with not beating the big teams has added pressure on us, but we are the only ones who can change this. We cannot accept not going out there with the right attitude.”
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