AS Roma Thread

[talk2smc]

you shouldnt have stopped watching!!!!!!


never stop watching!! Rosi!!!


wow, after settling down...i admire the fight in the players, and Rosi in the right place at the right time.

Totti is now 5th all time top scorer, passing Baggio, simply AMAZING.



but all that being said...Bari played better, Juan almost gifted them a goal, gave them the handball.

Perrotta's red was harsh, but De Rossi did NOTHING for his reputation, shameful elbow, and rightly seen by Russo. he will miss the rest of the season for violent conduct, rightly so, as much as I want him to play...

9 men, and we score the winner...well done Montella, youve done everything to get the job i feel, amazing fight, but not deserved.

[TechGuyatNY]

you shouldnt have stopped watching!!!!!!


never stop watching!! Rosi!!!


wow, after settling down...i admire the fight in the players, and Rosi in the right place at the right time.

Totti is now 5th all time top scorer, passing Baggio, simply AMAZING.



but all that being said...Bari played better, Juan almost gifted them a goal, gave them the handball.

Perrotta's red was harsh, but De Rossi did NOTHING for his reputation, shameful elbow, and rightly seen by Russo. he will miss the rest of the season for violent conduct, rightly so, as much as I want him to play...

9 men, and we score the winner...well done Montella, youve done everything to get the job i feel, amazing fight, but not deserved.

it was a half lie. i didn't completely stop watching. i just left it on the TV with sound on and left the room in fury. still, it's the first time i've done something like this for a roma match. but if roma keeps mounting miracle comebacks like this when i leave in frustration, maybe i should leave more :D

ref may not have been on our side, but luck was. the 1st equalizer was due to an incredibly bad wall placement. and rosi's goal was nothing short of a fluke. bari also hit the post twice and really deserved to score on those two occasions. doni is a lazy prick. for an experienced keeper of his age, he really should be able to judge whether or not a ball is dipping into the net, or going over the bar. he hasn't made a single save today. everything that came at him practically went through him

my rejoice at the end of the match wasn't because we beat bari. it was because we beat the ref. the rejoice was short-lived though bc i realized we're now without two central midfielders for ac milan. so in the end, the damage is still done against us. on the bright side, i'd rather have AC win the scudetto rather than inter

[talk2smc]

id rather not have anyone clinch the Scudetto IN Rome unless its Roma...


De Rossi was an idiot, and he has to accept all the criticism thrown at him, as does Totti when he acts this way. De Rossi doesnt learn which is the fucking problem I have with him, he JUST served a suspension in the NT for acting this way, and to be honest, if i were him, Prandelli might look elsewhere for more discipline. cant be future captain of anything if in the MOST important match of the year to date he throws a ridiculous elbow...


Bari really deserved the win, and to be fair, I felt Russo was poor all around. Perrotta and De Rossi unavailable tho is killer.

Menez was dropped at HT bc he doesnt work and sucked. and it will be no different v Milan except that he will probably HAVE to play bc Perrotta and De Rossi out.

i would guess...

Doni (ugh) Cassetti, Juan (ugh in this form), Burdisso, Riise, Pizarro, Brighi, Menez, Taddei, Vucinic, Totti

might look like that thru the end of the year too..

[talk2smc]

well..im pretty sore that Milan started the party in Rome. and i thought Morganti was shit on several Van Bommel fouls on Totti and Borriello being pulled down.

but we did take 4 points from the leaders. we, as always, lost our way this season with the smaller clubs.

so tight in the race for 4th. we could go 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th even, im praying for a Udinese-Lazio draw and a Juve loss : /

[talk2smc]

unlucky. Coppa gone...

im pretty inconsolable. just praying we push to CL.

[TechGuyatNY]

to be honest, were we really expecting any better?

this is the roma we've come to know

greco was good at least. and caprari got some playing time

onto transfer news, i really hope derossi signs that fucking extension. i dont wanna lose him on a free of all ppl. and palermo can keep pastore if they want over €30m. he's not that good really

i don't think we're linked with giuseppe rossi, but i really hope we can get him

[talk2smc]

shock reports that the whole time Juventus were apparently courting Mazzarri, it has been us pushing to sign him...wow..


so far linked with Mazzarri, Ancelotti, Benitez (FUCK NO) Rossi (FUCK NO), Villa Boas, and meanwhile poor Montella who has done very well has had to work in all that.

reports also saying he might train Samp if they go down and Roma look elsewhere.

as of now, i think Montella deserves it in his results and performances. and i also feel it shouldnt hinge on whether we make CL. Montella is cool under pressure so far, learning tactical styles, but has settled us and the players all seemt o be responding to him unlike with Ranieri in the end.

just needs to get Mirko finishing...

[TechGuyatNY]

w.... t.... f.... LORIA

[talk2smc]

well. we pulled it off in Udine and Bari.

at least the fucking draw would have sealed Europe. now we have to win at relegated Samp at home. if we lose, and Juve win, theyre goal difference takes them to 6th and us to 7th.

we cant go higher than 6th now.


terrible season really. and i think todays result may have sealed Montella's fate.

no point really talking about the game. we gave up around 75 minutes after Bergassio's goal.


a time to rebuild. we've already lost Mexes, lets hope not many other core players leave. hold onto Vucinic pleaseee.

and whatever we do. win versus Samp. :(

[TechGuyatNY]

well. we pulled it off in Udine and Bari.

at least the fucking draw would have sealed Europe. now we have to win at relegated Samp at home. if we lose, and Juve win, theyre goal difference takes them to 6th and us to 7th.

we cant go higher than 6th now.


terrible season really. and i think todays result may have sealed Montella's fate.

no point really talking about the game. we gave up around 75 minutes after Bergassio's goal.


a time to rebuild. we've already lost Mexes, lets hope not many other core players leave. hold onto Vucinic pleaseee.

and whatever we do. win versus Samp. :(

agree, i really dont wanna talk about today's game. i saw it coming. we didn't deserve to win today, and we really dont deserve champions league football with our performances this season

but onwards, it's revenge time. last season sampdoria denied us the scudetto. this season, we'll confine them to serie B

[talk2smc]

agree, i really dont wanna talk about today's game. i saw it coming. we didn't deserve to win today, and we really dont deserve champions league football with our performances this season

but onwards, it's revenge time. last season sampdoria denied us the scudetto. this season, we'll confine them to serie B

yes, throughout the season we havent deserved it. sadly too, as what i felt most today was longing for Spalletti days gone by..


as for Samp, it wont be much of a fight next week i think, they were already relegated today. we need only a point to secure 6th and Europa league.

[TechGuyatNY]

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/18/notebook-the-americanization-of-a-s-roma/?partner=rss&emc=rss

so, DB thinks current stadium is crap. he's gonna build us new one. fine

then he wants to americanize our club with players 29 yr old winger landan donovan. wtf. but you know what, fine.

but now he wants to change our logo. @#$%^&

what next?! justin bieber half time shows? crowd chanting "DE-FENSE" when we don't have the ball?

just give us the money and go

[talk2smc]

A. the stadium is shit.

B. the logo change was on the cards before he came in. not so drastic. we have two as it is now anyway on our uniforms. many clubs change theirs every few decades. Chelsea did recently, PSG, many others. they rebrand as times change, Roma has done it as everyone has, and will do again.

C. American players is a ploy of shit probably, and none would be good in Serie A. so IF they are a purchase, lets hope not an expensive one, but yes i agree we should not be wasting our efforts there.

its not going to as drastic as a change as everyone thinks i believe...

im much more worried about what manager will we have, and what players will be kept, and what players bought in.

[TechGuyatNY]

what's wrong with our stadium? it's probably the 2nd best stadium i've ever been to, even without the roma bias

(signal iduna was the best i've been to)

[talk2smc]

what's wrong with our stadium? it's probably the 2nd best stadium i've ever been to, even without the roma bias

(signal iduna was the best i've been to)

all stadiums in Italy are leagues behind stadia in Spain or England, or Germany. al you have to do is see the last time we held a major tournament. the reason is the stadia.

up until the Rome CL Final a few years ago, the stadium wasnt even really upgraded since 1990 or so i think.

and no one uses stadiums with tracks around them anymore bc fans want to be close.

Juve has the right idea on this one building a stadium in the English model, fans close, and also smaller. bc the attendances in Italy are not fantastic. so why have 80k seats when only 35k come per week.

Roma could do just what Juve is doing, own their own stadium, build it like 45k, no track, and the store and amenities all included in the stadium like the top clubs in Europe.

im not talking about atmosphere now, ive been to better stadiums with less atmosphere, but just in terms of the physical structure.









also- Sabatini has come on board which is FANTASTIC news, brought in maaany good players at cut deals at Palermo, notably Pastore.

Mazzarri looks to stay another year in Naples, and recently we contacted...Stefano Pioli of Chievo for the coach position. this is AWFUL news. if we want someone with slightly better experience than Montella, just stick with Montella who IS Roma.
its either we go get someone like Ancelotti, or Deschamps:rolleyes: or stick with Montella, its plain simple to me.

Garcia and Boas have both distanced themselves saying they wont leave Lille or Porto.

poor Montella, i hope he doesnt get replaced by someone who is basically on par with him on an experience level.

[TechGuyatNY]

we're also linked with bielsa

i really like him as a coach. very similar to ranieri except more attacking. he speaks italian too

[talk2smc]

we're also linked with bielsa

i really like him as a coach. very similar to ranieri except more attacking. he speaks italian too

yes, and that type of appt makes sense. if we are going to depart with Montella, let it be for someone with ridiculous amounts of experience. not Pioli with all due respect imo.

i think the Americans should also wait on Carlo...its likely he will be let go.


but first, let Montella get us European football please.

[talk2smc]

well...a classic Roma season imo. disappointing mostly, fight back when it mattered, getting results when most everyone said we were done...

standard heart attack stuff.

but overall...in a season where we had a manager sacked, and ownership changes for yearrrs coming to a head among the buyout, 6th place in Europe is well done. i expected more, and thought the Scudetto preseason talk was lofty, but honestly we had the deepest squad we've had in years and still bundled into 6th.

season will start early for us, so lets straighten out the manager issues and buy some players to shore up defense.

Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked at Chelsea and Im hoping he can come in for us.


for the season-

Doni- shit pretty much, still dont understand how Montella rates him
Sergio-i felt the defense shipping goals wasnt always his fault
Cassetti- well done, always a workhorse on the right
Juan- patchy form, what wondered to the Juan of old?
Mexes- breaks my heart, but never questioned his fight on the pitch
Riise- solid for the most part, and ran the left side all year with no LW in front
Rosi- solid, and i think he earned staying in Rome. great goal in Bari...
Brighi- always knew his role and solid in performances
De Rossi- a bit patchy in form too...and terrible discipline :(
Greco-worked best under Ranieri, great debut goal in the CL
Taddei- ugh. non existent mostly? beyond running...
Perrotta- im sad to say it looks like he is getting tired, not a great year
Simplicio- greeeat under Ranieri, and always was solid i felt
Menez- should be sold.
Adriano- should never have been given the chance.
Vucinic- soo inconsistent. but thats what you get, a usual year for him
Borriello- fantastic under Ranieri, but in the locker room, unsettled everyone
Totti- HERO. saved our season how many times?

[TechGuyatNY]

well schucks, i saw the first half, and got pissed off we were drawing against a serie B club at home. i was expecting worse, so i decided to turn it off and go to bed. i had already spent all my mental power trying to comprehend why david pizarro would wear his shirt with his sleeves tucked inwards

but like i said last time, i really should do this more often haha. everytime i leave in frustration, roma seems to pick it up

now that nap time is over, i need to download the 2nd half

i'm too tired to summarize our season, but i think i can agree on probably everything you said

the players of the season for me are definitely mexes, simplicio, and totti (i need to get me a mexes jersey now, thinking about the 05/06 europe 3rd kit, the grey one)

and fuck it you know what, i'll give a light shout-out to loria for having the second highest goals:appearances ratio in our squad hahaha

[talk2smc]

i feel for Montella...who I think earned a season more. but it seems unlikely..

and great scenes at the end of the game all the players thanking Rosella Sensi...what the Sensi family has done for Roma is indescribable..

[TechGuyatNY]

i feel for Montella...who I think earned a season more. but it seems unlikely..

and great scenes at the end of the game all the players thanking Rosella Sensi...what the Sensi family has done for Roma is indescribable..

no words can ever express my utmost gratitude for what the sensi family have done for roma

but for montella, well, fan expectations will be higher next season due to new ownership and more money, so i don't think montella should stay as manager. if we're getting players like pastore, etc, we need a manager that matches their quality, and i don't think montella's there yet. i hope he stays on board with us, but i'm not sure if he would be willing to coach U-21's again. the only upgrade from his current position is probably assistant manager, but i don't think he'd be willing to fill that position either. we'll see. whatever happens, i hope the best for montella

[talk2smc]

no words can ever express my utmost gratitude for what the sensi family have done for roma

but for montella, well, fan expectations will be higher next season due to new ownership and more money, so i don't think montella should stay as manager. if we're getting players like pastore, etc, we need a manager that matches their quality, and i don't think montella's there yet. i hope he stays on board with us, but i'm not sure if he would be willing to coach U-21's again. the only upgrade from his current position is probably assistant manager, but i don't think he'd be willing to fill that position either. we'll see. whatever happens, i hope the best for montella

me as well, as most of us at a certain age, we came to be Roma fans when Totti came on board. and with Totti, the Sensi's...

end of an era which I cant say enough thanks for.


Montella has already said he wont go to the academies again, and if he isnt kept on, he will take a coaching position elsewhere. he has already been linked with his other former club, Samp.

[deviant]

What do you think about the prospect of having Luis Enrique coach Roma?

Luis Enrique confirms Roma talks (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/924643/barcelona-b-coach-luis-enrique-speaks-to-roma-about-coaching-role?cc=5901)

[bigb0i13]

Makes sense. He has as much experience as Montella, minus the experience Montella has earned these last few months. He never played for AS Roma, whereas Montella was there for years, in his prime. And he'd actually replace Montella, who wants to stay.


Makes sense if it happens.

[talk2smc]

What do you think about the prospect of having Luis Enrique coach Roma?

Luis Enrique confirms Roma talks (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/924643/barcelona-b-coach-luis-enrique-speaks-to-roma-about-coaching-role?cc=5901)

im ok with Luis Enrique, but the move is curious.

two options-

go for the experienced winning coach, ie. Bielsa, Deschamps, or Ancelotti

or the younger inexperienced coach, ie. Enrique, Pioli to a degree, Montella

but if we are going with the second option, why not keep the Roman player who did well in his brief tenure?

[soheil86]

im ok with Luis Enrique, but the move is curious.

two options-

go for the experienced winning coach, ie. Bielsa, Deschamps, or Ancelotti

or the younger inexperienced coach, ie. Enrique, Pioli to a degree, Montella

but if we are going with the second option, why not keep the Roman player who did well in his brief tenure?

luis enrique is a disaster waiting to happen. this copying the barcelona model is nonsense. no team in the world can copy barcelona because no team in the world has players like messi, xavi, and iniesta. even enrique himself said this in a recent interview. another reason why guardiola has done so well at barca is because he knows the players, the players know him, and there is an amazing level of professionalism and respect back and forth. for us, enrique is a nobody and after 1-2 bad results, no one will listen to him. i just do not understand how when a true world class romanista such as ancelotti is available and you go for enrique and pioli??? ancelotti can be our guardiola because he knows the team, and the team will respect him no matter what. if enrique were to come, he would be sacked within 3 months. he is also talking to atletico madrid, so i am praying he will go there.

[talk2smc]

luis enrique is a disaster waiting to happen. this copying the barcelona model is nonsense. no team in the world can copy barcelona because no team in the world has players like messi, xavi, and iniesta. even enrique himself said this in a recent interview. another reason why guardiola has done so well at barca is because he knows the players, the players know him, and there is an amazing level of professionalism and respect back and forth. for us, enrique is a nobody and after 1-2 bad results, no one will listen to him. i just do not understand how when a true world class romanista such as ancelotti is available and you go for enrique and pioli??? ancelotti can be our guardiola because he knows the team, and the team will respect him no matter what. if enrique were to come, he would be sacked within 3 months. he is also talking to atletico madrid, so i am praying he will go there.

i think the model meaning passing and possession.

i dont think Enrique will be a disaster, reports are details away from a contract anyway, but I do agree we should be doing much more to get Ancelotti.

the good thing is moving in the right direction with Sabatini already. details are outstanding but unless a complete breakdown occurs it will be Enrique on 2 years, 1.6 mil per season, quite steep given only Barca B experience...and former Lazio player De La Pena who just retired as assistant. hmm.

[talk2smc]

Enrique official. now lets start some signings please...

Montella on the Catania bench. : / i thought you deserved more time Vincenzo..

[TechGuyatNY]

i honestly never heard of enrique as a player, but i gotta say, i am REALLY impressed by his post-retirement fitness. he's probably more fit than many current footballers and he'd probably still last the 90 in a 2nd division european match

After retiring from football, Luis Enrique lived for a while in Australia to practice surfing. He took part in the 2005 edition of the New York City Marathon, finished the Amsterdam Marathon in 2006, the Firenze Marathon in 2007 and the Marathon des Sables in 2008, while also entering and finishing Frankfurt Ironman in 2007.

He was supposed to take part in the Klagenfurt Ironman in July 2008, but eventually declined due to his Barcelona manager engagement.

i don't think some current players such as menez or mirko can complete the whole ironman race

[TechGuyatNY]

our primavera side has been doing really well. we topped our group, beat milan and genoa in the knockouts. and we're absolutely dominating the competition so far. only 1 match left

now we're playing.... varese (lol) in the primavera final tomorrow

i really hope enrique and db have plans to incorporate our youth squad into our senior side. mladen, caprari, and montini are going great

highlights of our 1-0 vs milan and 2-0 vs genoa knockouts here

http://www.youtube.com/user/RomaChannelOfficial

[talk2smc]

i usually dont post much about la primavera bc not many here at all discuss Serie A let alone primevera sides...

and Enrique? just before your time probably...huuuge player for Barca/Real and Spain.

[TechGuyatNY]

i usually dont post much about la primavera bc not many here at all discuss Serie A let alone primevera sides...

and Enrique? just before your time probably...huuuge player for Barca/Real and Spain.

i'm 26 ;) it was supposed to be my time. i just never really followed spanish football. i was in germany at the time

even now, i still don't really follow spanish football. doesn't suit my taste. bunch of latin american kids running circles around cavemen who don't know how to defend, no offense to enrique

[talk2smc]

Enrique unveiled to the media today, and Sabatini had news as well. can be found here-
http://www.football-italia.net/jun10n.html

the highlights-

Enrique brought in bc style of play and passing ala the Barca model is what we are aiming for

confirmed Baldini coming back to Rome:D

cited age a problem and wants to bring the age down

confirmed interest in Lamela

said Mirko needs to fit the system

said Menez has to play in Enrique's requested style

said Borriello could be a problem, which makes sense given the style Barca play, theres no room for the old style FW

confirmed De Rossi and Totti at the center of the new era





allllll the right things so far, but its always rosy in the beginning.. lets hope for the best

[eurotrash]

Quite interested in what Enrique will be able to do with Roma, if he manages to get some good new players and play Barca style, could be very cool.

[TechGuyatNY]

Quite interested in what Enrique will be able to do with Roma, if he manages to get some good new players and play Barca style without the diving and cheating, could be very cool.

fixed

[talk2smc]

fixed

not worried about that.

A. every team has them regardless of manager and style.
and
B. its only really Busquets and Alves who consistently dive for Barcelona.



excited about transfer news heating up with strong links to Rolando, Romero, and Lamela :)

[TechGuyatNY]

not worried about that.

A. every team has them regardless of manager and style.
and
B. its only really Busquets and Alves who consistently dive for Barcelona.



excited about transfer news heating up with strong links to Rolando, Romero, and Lamela :)

i just hope we don't turn into some weird argentina remix of shakhtar donetsk. or a +1 of catania. i'm hoping we sign giuseppe rossi, even though we're not linked with him. i mean cmon, we're an italian team with an american owner and a spanish coach. rossi is the perfect match for us

PS iniesta, villa, pedro, mascherano, xavi, and messi have all dived for barca in the past, although alves+busquets are the repeat offenders like you mentioned. not just diving, playacting+referee rushing (victor valdes) too. that's more of what i was referring to. but yeah, it's a half joke. i don't expect things like this to carry over

[talk2smc]

i am 100% positive we wont sign Rossi as much as we would love it.
1. too many FW's now
2. waaay too expensive
3. his agent said he would only leave for a team w CL football

as long as we hang on to Vucinic, Totti and him will bang in goals still especially if we are playing ball to feet, we have Okaka still on loan at Bari, and Borriello is the one who seems to miss out based on the system, as Enrique wont play the long ball to the big man.

so we should be ok without forwards being signed

we need to plug the defense, 2nd or 3rd worst last year i think as the past 5-6 years as awful as that is, and really address CB and some help at LB.

wingers? we have had none since Mancini left and he was the only one then.

and we need creativity in the midfield.

and a keeper.



if we got away with Rolando, Romero, and Lamela all 3 under...30 mil? whew thats pushing it, but i would be thrilled. (tho none are italian...)

[bigb0i13]

The way I see it, you have the best pure central pairing in the world in De Rossi and Pizarro. With Riise and especially with the central pairing you already have, it would make sense to buy players, whether wingers or AM's, who play from wide. A 4-2-2-2. Players like Guardado (Deportivo just relegated), Kranjcar, Pedro Leon.

You can play 4-3-3, as Enrique is a Barca guy after all, if you have Totti in the middle and Vucinic on the left. Menez would fit into that. Vucinic being the wide guy would be a lot to ask of Riise, but it could work. In which case it'd make sense to get a true hole player (honestly, even Kaka). You do have Simplicio already, and that could work too.


But it just seems so sensible to get some attacking midfielders who can play from the left and right. Those two in the middle give you so many options.

[talk2smc]

The way I see it, you have the best pure central pairing in the world in De Rossi and Pizarro. With Riise and especially with the central pairing you already have, it would make sense to buy players, whether wingers or AM's, who play from wide. A 4-2-2-2. Players like Guardado (Deportivo just relegated), Kranjcar, Pedro Leon.

You can play 4-3-3, as Enrique is a Barca guy after all, if you have Totti in the middle and Vucinic on the left. Menez would fit into that. Vucinic being the wide guy would be a lot to ask of Riise, but it could work. In which case it'd make sense to get a true hole player (honestly, even Kaka). You do have Simplicio already, and that could work too.


But it just seems so sensible to get some attacking midfielders who can play from the left and right. Those two in the middle give you so many options.


we are looking at AMF's namely Lamela and Alvarez, Alvarez with a reported 10 mil deal already in place, left footed and can play across the entire midfield.

id rather spend 10 or so on Lamela really as he seems the better prospect in my opinion and 19, to Ricky's 23. but still both addressing our needs.

(tho its really defense to address FIRST. CB and keeper...)

Pizarro still sprays balls all over but is getting old and slow.

4-3-3 or some attacking formation will certainly be what Enrique goes for, but its quick to say Menez fits in there. at Monaco he played CMF or FW and his best performances in my opinion for Roma have been thru the trequarista role instead off on the wing.

as for Mirko...more than half his Roma career hes played as LW, Spalletti played 4-2-3-1 Totti as the lone striker, and Ranieri went 4-3-3, 4-4-2 at times but mostly Mirko has played on the wing, so its not a problem for him to continue to do so.

[bigb0i13]

we are looking at AMF's namely Lamela and Alvarez, Alvarez with a reported 10 mil deal already in place, left footed and can play across the entire midfield.

id rather spend 10 or so on Lamela really as he seems the better prospect in my opinion and 19, to Ricky's 23. but still both addressing our needs.

(tho its really defense to address FIRST. CB and keeper...)

Pizarro still sprays balls all over but is getting old and slow.

4-3-3 or some attacking formation will certainly be what Enrique goes for, but its quick to say Menez fits in there. at Monaco he played CMF or FW and his best performances in my opinion for Roma have been thru the trequarista role instead off on the wing.

as for Mirko...more than half his Roma career hes played as LW, Spalletti played 4-2-3-1 Totti as the lone striker, and Ranieri went 4-3-3, 4-4-2 at times but mostly Mirko has played on the wing, so its not a problem for him to continue to do so.




Responding to Mirko first...I think he's a striker, tho he likes to play wide. Henry was obviously a lot like that. Totti as the lone striker was closer to a false 9. I think if it is a front 3 that it would work better if Vucinic isn't playing as a winger, but rather a striker from the outside and Totti doing the false 9 thing.


Menez has been better in the trequarista role but I think that's more to do with him getting better recently and recently the position most available for him has been that role. He's an incredibly good dribbler and also not the smartest player in the world. Having him play that role is a bit scary for a team that wants to play passing and flowy football. He might also just be done at Roma. It seems that way, tho Enrique's arrival could mean otherwise.


Pizarro is getting old but that type of player can probably last, and he hasn't shown to be any less yet.


I know nothing about Lamela and have only recently heard of Alvarez. Did not realize he was coming here. Kept hearing a lot about England. Based on his age I would think he's the better fit, as he would likely be closer to being ready and Roma are in a position to be good now and should look to do so. I also think Guardado is absolutely ideal for Roma and his cost couldn't be more than 12million, if that.


You do need a GK now. I've heard Shay Given and I think he's still world-class. I know Amelia loves Roma and tho he's not been very good the last two years he's obviously got talent and looked good this year, and is 28? Today I just heard Stekelenberg...if you can get him get him because he's a great GK.


Juan, despite the end of the season, still has it. You need to go after a great player to play alongside him. Vertonghen is amazing. I also think Bovo, a Roma guy, is a great player when he's awake. And you obviously need a RB. With Burdisso, and maybe Vertonghen, maybe you can play 3-5-2?

[talk2smc]

Ramirez of Bologna confirming an offer today, 12 or so mil.

addressing the right needs so far, AMF, 20, young, playmaker, Serie A experience.

steep price imo, but no more expensive than Lamela or Alvarez...

[TechGuyatNY]

campioni d'italia primavera!

montini, what a beast http://r26.imgfast.net/users/2615/13/36/92/smiles/914411.gif

late blunder by our defense, even more late equalizing goal from montini. these guys are perfect for our senior squad :D

montini hattrick http://forum.ea.com/uk/images/smilies/b2eb59423fbf5fa39342041237025880.gif

guess this is the first cup under LE and DB

[talk2smc]

:D yess... and congratulations to Alberto De Rossi! great work all year...

[soheil86]

Responding to Mirko first...I think he's a striker, tho he likes to play wide. Henry was obviously a lot like that. Totti as the lone striker was closer to a false 9. I think if it is a front 3 that it would work better if Vucinic isn't playing as a winger, but rather a striker from the outside and Totti doing the false 9 thing.


Menez has been better in the trequarista role but I think that's more to do with him getting better recently and recently the position most available for him has been that role. He's an incredibly good dribbler and also not the smartest player in the world. Having him play that role is a bit scary for a team that wants to play passing and flowy football. He might also just be done at Roma. It seems that way, tho Enrique's arrival could mean otherwise.


Pizarro is getting old but that type of player can probably last, and he hasn't shown to be any less yet.


I know nothing about Lamela and have only recently heard of Alvarez. Did not realize he was coming here. Kept hearing a lot about England. Based on his age I would think he's the better fit, as he would likely be closer to being ready and Roma are in a position to be good now and should look to do so. I also think Guardado is absolutely ideal for Roma and his cost couldn't be more than 12million, if that.


You do need a GK now. I've heard Shay Given and I think he's still world-class. I know Amelia loves Roma and tho he's not been very good the last two years he's obviously got talent and looked good this year, and is 28? Today I just heard Stekelenberg...if you can get him get him because he's a great GK.


Juan, despite the end of the season, still has it. You need to go after a great player to play alongside him. Vertonghen is amazing. I also think Bovo, a Roma guy, is a great player when he's awake. And you obviously need a RB. With Burdisso, and maybe Vertonghen, maybe you can play 3-5-2?

in my opinion, it is time to sell vucinic. he had his worst season last season for us and his " i dont give a shit" attitude is not helping him or the club. he no longer has the passion and hunger to play for this side, as displayed last season with his often extremely poor performances. offer him to english clubs and we can get some 15 mill for him.

as for players coming in, we need a new GK, CB, DR, and three attacking midfielders. we have been linked to stekenborg, but i dont rate him highly, i dont think he is much of an improvement over doni/julio. and at CB that guy rolondo if he was any good porto would be demanding at least 25 mill. average defender at most. my signings would be:
1-hugo lloris
2-mattia cassani
3-bruno alves
and the 3 attacking mids depending on how enrique wants to play.

and does anyone know much about andrea bertolacci? the kid on loan to lecce has scored i think 6-7 goals in his first serie A season as a midfielder. more that any midfielder on our team.

[talk2smc]

Vucinic will stay I believe. there is talk, but he is going to play out wide on the LW I believe in Enrique's 4-3-3

Mirko is not a dont give a shit player. think of dont give a fuck attitudes for Roma in recent years...

Adri
Cicinho
Baptista

(ill let you all find the common thread there...)

Mirko is not that. he is just inconsistent. but NO Romanista can deny, over the past 5-6 years or so w him, how many games has he won on his own? a turn, a shot from no where, amazing skill for a 1-0 at an important time?

he can turn on a game on a dime, and I dont feel 15 is enough for him. not when prices of shelling out 12-15 for the likes of Lamela, or Ramirez who have not proved much at all if anything.


Mirko is NOT a player i want to lose. if any FW goes its the one who doesnt fit the system and thats the journeyman, Borriello.




linked players so far:

Lamela
Alvarez
Sketlenburg
Romero
Rolando- apparent confirmed offer
Ramirez- apparent confirmed offer, 10 mil turned down, upped to 12
Montoya
Jeffren

Menez, Riise, and Borriello being touted as possible sales, reports from Corriere dell sport suggest Mirko's agent has spoken with Enrique and Sabatina and Mirko is an important piece of Roma to come but Mirko may choose to go. 50/50 now i think..

[talk2smc]

Sabatini confirming today that Borriello will remain in Rome. still dont see how he fits, but he is too valuable of a player to toss away. thought he would miss out because of the system tho...

hope that doesnt mean Mirko on the way out, but we havent been linked with any FWs thats ive seen, only AMF's, D, and GK. so we should keep all FWs, and look at Caprari and Okaka



Viviano to Roma rumors taking pace! this would be a fantastic signing. basically the heir to Buffon, italy international is always great, and a very young very good shot stopper who has confirmed he wants to come to Rome. Inter should have listened to offers for Cesar, bc now that Cesar will stay we might pick up the younger Italian keeper! sign him on a long term deal if you ask me, immediately improving our defense

[Sktrad]

Roma have signed Bojan Krkic (soon 21), from Barcelona — or so Sabatini himself reports.

Loan to sell, 10M Euro. Barcelona have the option to buy the player back for 15M Euro at anytime, within two years from his signing.

Good player, questionable way to sign him: though probably necessary, given Roma's finances and the need to sign additional players.

[talk2smc]

Roma have signed Bojan Krkic (soon 21), from Barcelona — or so Sabatini himself reports.

Loan to sell, 10M Euro. Barcelona have the option to buy the player back for 15M Euro at anytime, within two years from his signing.

Good player, questionable way to sign him: though probably necessary, given Roma's finances and the need to sign additional players.

hey new Roma fans! welcome!

i think its more Barca protecting Krkic as opposed to our finances now, Sabatini has stated in the recent past that we have funds available now, and certainly will come July 1 when Di Benedetto's takeover is formalized.

I admire Bojan and I like how he can play across a front 3, the only unfortunate thing is that it may push Mirko on :(

Borriello officially bought out for 10 mil today as well as per last years agreement with Milan.

[TechGuyatNY]

hey new Roma fans! welcome!

i think its more Barca protecting Krkic as opposed to our finances now, Sabatini has stated in the recent past that we have funds available now, and certainly will come July 1 when Di Benedetto's takeover is formalized.

I admire Bojan and I like how he can play across a front 3, the only unfortunate thing is that it may push Mirko on :(

Borriello officially bought out for 10 mil today as well as per last years agreement with Milan.

although i've grown a distaste for borriello for his habit of stealing penalties, i have to say €10m is a pretty good deal

considering marco performed like a €15m striker during the 1st half of 2010/11, then performing like a €5m striker during the 2nd half, €10m is not bad at all

we'll see what happens next season. borriello's not very adaptable, that's the problem. he's the type of player where a team has be built around him whereas our new coach is trying to do the opposite. if LE wants to play traditional barca style 4-3-3, then borriello is screwed. if enrique wants to play a system which entails a false9 (e.g. roma 2006/07, barca 2010/11), borriello is also screwed. in that case, i guess borriello could still be useful as a plan "B", kinda like fernando llorente for spain. but 10m is kinda expensive for a plan "B" player. and besides, borriello's not used to bench warming anyway

i'm not so hyped about bojan, i think hes overrated personally. not only are la liga defenses leaky, barca also tends to bring bojan on from the bench when they're already leading. so not only are the opposition players tired, they're also prone to counterattacking too because they're the ones who need to attack. so it's even easier for barca subs like bojan to score at this point. they call him a super-sub for a reason

but rarely does bojan ever get subbed on when barca are losing or drawing. so it's not like bojan has ever had any experience in coming off the bench when the team needs to score a goal, nor has he ever been in any high pressure scenarios

the 2-year buyback clause is weird. of course we want bojan to play well, but not good enough that barca would want him back

[talk2smc]

agreed on Borriello, Sabatina and Enrique have both said how he is a difficult fit. Barca's style in terms of quick passing and 4-3-3 etc that Enrique will try to implement culturally, wont work with a traditional number 9 bomber.

more of the real problem...is that both Ranieri and Montella eluded to problems he creates in the locker room, and it may explain alot of why he has moved from so many clubs in recent years.

so LE will have to figure some of that out...



Bojan? im excited for him actually. young, familiar with LE, familiar with the style, doesnt mind passing for the goal instead of being the scorer always, so his goals may be lower than some expect but i think he works hard on the wings and i think he'll be quite motivated to show Barca what they will be missing i think.

[bigb0i13]

Vucinic seems a goner. Bojan can be a beast (and is a striker, absolutely).


Borriello can work out the way it seems Pepe is gonna work out at Juventus. Buy him because that was part of the deal, but sell him because he's not in your plans.



I think Borriello was never a problem in Milan's locker room. He looked scared to be there. But everywhere else he feels he's too good. And he's merely good.

[Sktrad]

Borriello's final purchase at 10M is not bad, although it's hardly a steal: considering that Quagliarella moved to Juventus for 10.5M. There were talks of Marco moving to Paris (PSG), as Leonardo was fond of him (I doubt that, but well …).

As for Bojan, there were no chances he'd be able to play at Barcelona in the next season. It's extremely likely that the Catalans will sign Sanchez, perhaps even Giuseppe Rossi. When, and where, could Bojan possibly play with the likes of Messi, Villa, Sanchez, Pedro around …

Villa will be 31 in two years, perhaps they're planning on bringing Bojan back at that time. Or perhaps it's their insurance in case Sanchez flops in 2011-2012.

Regardless, Roma haven't shelled out a euro yet. At the very worst, he'll either go back to Barcelona after this year, or Roma will cash in the 5M difference later.

[phat]

Borriello's final purchase at 10M is not bad, although it's hardly a steal: considering that Quagliarella moved to Juventus for 10.5M. There were talks of Marco moving to Paris (PSG), as Leonardo was fond of him (I doubt that, but well …).

As for Bojan, there were no chances he'd be able to play at Barcelona in the next season. It's extremely likely that the Catalans will sign Sanchez, perhaps even Giuseppe Rossi. When, and where, could Bojan possibly play with the likes of Messi, Villa, Sanchez, Pedro around …

Villa will be 31 in two years, perhaps they're planning on bringing Bojan back at that time. Or perhaps it's their insurance in case Sanchez flops in 2011-2012.

Regardless, Roma haven't shelled out a euro yet. At the very worst, he'll either go back to Barcelona after this year, or Roma will cash in the 5M difference later.

Juve paid 15m total for Quags.

[Sktrad]

Juve paid 15m total for Quags.

Right … 4.5M last year, 10.5 to be paid in the next three.

[phat]

For me Boriello is bad business. But I guess you need strikers... Bojan is a great move. The real problem Roma has had for about 5 years now is defense and defensive midfielders. They don't have any good ones.

[Sktrad]

The real problem Roma has had for about 5 years now is defense and defensive midfielders. They don't have any good ones.

Most tactical formations require one defensive midfielder. The "4-3-3" Luis Enrique is supposed to bring back to Roma will use one defensive midfielder. Roma's defensive midfielder is De Rossi — he's not that bad as to demand Roma reinforces that position. We can agree on the need for a good sub; De Rossi has been playing non stop for years now.

Inter's formation also features one defensive midfielder (either Cambiasso or Motta). Both Milan and Juve stack up defensive midfielders, but that's their tactical prerogative (Ambrosini, Van Bommel, Gattuso, Flamini and Marchisio, Sissoko, Melo). Roma aren't going to play Juve or Milan's "4-4-2".

As for defenders, the central ones are solid (Juan, Burdisso) but with Mexes gone there needs to be a third. The fullbacks need to be changed, yeah: especially on the left, since Cassetti, Cicinho and Burdisso can all play on the right.

[TechGuyatNY]

derossi's better as a box to box midfielder than defensive midfielder

like xabi alonso, he works better with a partner

i think for now we're fine with pizarro and derossi. hopefully pizarro can stay fit this season. but pizarro eventually will need to be replaced so another central midfielder won't hurt i guess

our key areas to improve right now are right back, centerback, and keeper. if mirko needs, we'll need another forward. but i think central midfield our best area at the moment. pizarro+derossi are simply amazing. simplicio has been playing great for us. and brighi provides us a lot of energy and work rate. greco is also upandcoming

[Sktrad]

(I am sorry, this is my third post in a short time: I must sound a bit redundant.)

To support a striker and two wingers, Luis Enrique will likely place De Rossi behind the other two midfielders: like Busquets or Toure' at Barcelona, or Cambiasso when Mourinho coached Inter (all "4-3-3s"). It would be extremely risky not to, against most lineups. One could also argue that De Rossi is wasted in that role, but well …

As for new central midfielders, I've read that Roma are in talks with Pescara to bring over Verratti (19 years old) — surely not yet first team material (although one would hope so!).

[TechGuyatNY]

(I am sorry, this is my third post in a short time: I must sound a bit redundant.)

To support a striker and two wingers, Luis Enrique will likely place De Rossi behind the other two midfielders: like Busquets or Toure' at Barcelona, or Cambiasso when Mourinho coached Inter (all "4-3-3s"). It would be extremely risky not to, against most lineups. One could also argue that De Rossi is wasted in that role, but well …

As for new central midfielders, I've read that Roma are in talks with Pescara to bring over Verratti (19 years old) — surely not yet first team material (although one would hope so!).

no! no need to apologize for posting here. we need more posters on this thread if anything. throughout the season, it was just me and talk2mc. i'm sure i speak for talk2mc as well, we both appreciate your input

[talk2smc]

no! no need to apologize for posting here. we need more posters on this thread if anything. throughout the season, it was just me and talk2mc. i'm sure i speak for talk2mc as well, we both appreciate your input

you definately do, not only is Roma not often discussed here, but Serie A in general.

as a forward- we generally talk of many games in Serie A in this thread too, so if youre like me and watch ALOT of calcio, just be aware for the occasional spoiler.





as for our needs, we are addressing the flashier signings and links, but I am still a bit concerned about the defense. we def need someone to step in for Mexes. Juan is getting older too. RB and LB are areas we have never really had cover for, but i think Rosi may get more time at RB this year.

if we buy Viviano, which i would love, it would immediately improved our defense.

and im in agreement, Pizarro and De Rossi should partner each other, it would be quite odd not to see Pizarro play, as him and Totti are the MOST ready to fit into LE's system, due to being the best passes on the floor and in the air as we have. so if its possession and passing we aim to recreate ala Barca, those two should play whenever fit


latest link- Shaquiri of Basel, a young RW currently on U21 duty

[bigb0i13]

Again, De Rossi and Pizarro...If they're healthy and the elbows are a little tucked in, that's the best pure CM combo in all of football. The quality and how perfectly suited they are to play alongside each other. Luis Enrique will appreciate the hell out of Pizarro. Those two in the middle allow so many options for Roma.



If you do play 4-3-3, well it seems very clear that Gaston Ramirez will come to Rome. He's a true AM. So De Rossi and Pizarro will play behind him. Pizarro is about the closest thing to Pirlo (flancrest, you're a Roma fan, he is a deep-lying playmaker) and with him and De Rossi as the two, they can both do what they do best. De Rossi is defensive-minded and box-to-box. Pizarro plays deep and spreads the game around, but has a motor to do so.




What does everyone think of Amelia begging for Roma to get him? Is he done?

[Sktrad]

What does everyone think of Amelia begging for Roma to get him? Is he done?

Roma has always had a problem with goalkeepers: fans are extremely quick to put the blame on them. Antonioli, who guarded the goals when Roma won the scudetto was heavily criticised. The same happened with Curci, Pelizzoli, etc.

Doni came to Rome, by paying his own plane ticket and sustaining an interview: he was signed and eventually became the starting goalkeeper. I don't really know what happened more recently: why he was substituted by Artur and Julio Sergio, for instance … anyway the two didn't seem to be up to the task.

Roma really needs a mentally strong goalkeeper.

Amelia is not particularly liked by Roma fans (despite him being Roman!). Technically he's not bad at all (Milan won the scudetto with Abbiati, for crying out loud!), but he could be booed at the Olimpico.

[Sktrad]

… by the way, Curci comes back home. The co-ownership with Sampdoria came to an end. The same goes with Guberti.

[talk2smc]

… by the way, Curci comes back home. The co-ownership with Sampdoria came to an end. The same goes with Guberti.

yes, we have bought out their ownership, but probably moving both on hopefully for a profit soon, or loaning them. but it would be better to sell imo, i dont see either with a future in Rome.

also, Bertolacci's rights were all bought out today too, he will definitely go out on loan somewhere, maybe even Lecce but he is quite promising like Caprari, and glad we have all his rights now.


and Amelia? No thanks.

Viviano? heeeelll yes, hopefully Bologna buys out his rights in the blind auction because then he will be sold right to us.

[soheil86]

(I am sorry, this is my third post in a short time: I must sound a bit redundant.)

To support a striker and two wingers, Luis Enrique will likely place De Rossi behind the other two midfielders: like Busquets or Toure' at Barcelona, or Cambiasso when Mourinho coached Inter (all "4-3-3s"). It would be extremely risky not to, against most lineups. One could also argue that De Rossi is wasted in that role, but well …

As for new central midfielders, I've read that Roma are in talks with Pescara to bring over Verratti (19 years old) — surely not yet first team material (although one would hope so!).

the only way for us to play a 4-3-3 without sacrificing the king of rome is by playing totti in the false 9 role and have 4 rushing midfielders to support him. enrique will probably put DDR as the defensive midfielder but i rather pizzaro play there and bring the ball out of defense with de rossi playing box-to-box.

[bigb0i13]

the only way for us to play a 4-3-3 without sacrificing the king of rome is by playing totti in the false 9 role and have 4 rushing midfielders to support him. enrique will probably put DDR as the defensive midfielder but i rather pizzaro play there and bring the ball out of defense with de rossi playing box-to-box.



Pretty sure he'll just put them both there, with Ramirez (who I'm pretty sure is all but a Roma player right now) in front of them and behind the front 3.


With De Rossi and Pizarro both back they'll naturally revert to deep-lying playmaker and box-to-box destroyer, who does everything.

[talk2smc]

early reports that Bologna fucked up paperwork in Viviano's blind auction and that he may be owned by Inter after they bid more now!

fucking shit, Bologna would have sold him to us right away with things agreed but he might be Inters now who wont want to give him to us or for the same price...jesus

[TechGuyatNY]

the only way for us to play a 4-3-3 without sacrificing the king of rome is by playing totti in the false 9 role and have 4 rushing midfielders to support him. enrique will probably put DDR as the defensive midfielder but i rather pizzaro play there and bring the ball out of defense with de rossi playing box-to-box.

perfect :) well said

[talk2smc]

Loic Nego is reported to be our first signing under LE. and i have to admit, i know nothing of him.

RB, 20, played for Nantes this past season, no idea of a price, but at least it does address a position we need cover in.

[phat]

I think Roma need a destroyer in the midfield, 2 FB's and 2 CB's.

[TechGuyatNY]

Loic Nego is reported to be our first signing under LE. and i have to admit, i know nothing of him.

RB, 20, played for Nantes this past season, no idea of a price, but at least it does address a position we need cover in.

yeah, i even tried looking him up in football manager, nothing =[

[talk2smc]

I think Roma need a destroyer in the midfield, 2 FB's and 2 CB's.

like Melo? no thanks.

def on the defense tho. GK a priority as well. its not a complete overhaul but its gonna be 3-4 players i think. Stekelenberg's agent saying things are advancing, he could come cheaper given his contract with Ajax ending next year, but i would still prefer the younger and better Viviano


Sabatini should go out right now and get a cut rate Lamela as River will be in B next year, so we can get him for even less than what he was rated as

[phat]

Melo?

I would sell Pizzaro and Perotta to buy Ever Banega and Bruno Soriano. I would even think about selling De Rossi to Real for massive money and maybe take Diarra or you could take Momo of our hands... Maybe add Monty to the mix.

Make a move for Rolando, Kjaer, Ansaldi and Uchida. Inquiring about Srna would be an idea/alternative.

Done.

[TechGuyatNY]

Melo?

I would sell Pizzaro and Perotta to buy Ever Banega and Bruno Soriano. I would even think about selling De Rossi to Real for massive money and maybe take Diarra or you could take Momo of our hands... Maybe add Monty to the mix.

Make a move for Rolando, Kjaer, Ansaldi and Uchida. Inquiring about Srna would be an idea/alternative.

Done.

...

for EL and CL 25-man squad registration, we need 4 home grown players and 4 trained in italy. selling de rossi is a no go

all those listed targets are trained foreignly

we're not intermerda

[talk2smc]

Melo?

I would sell Pizzaro and Perotta to buy Ever Banega and Bruno Soriano. I would even think about selling De Rossi to Real for massive money and maybe take Diarra or you could take Momo of our hands... Maybe add Monty to the mix.

Make a move for Rolando, Kjaer, Ansaldi and Uchida. Inquiring about Srna would be an idea/alternative.

Done.

yea no offense my man, but its sounds alot like Juve transfer strategy. ie. throw money all over the place, close your eyes and hope you get less Martinez's than Krasic's.

Sabatini is one of the smartest around, I have to have confidence he'll find us an Amauri (Palermo version) or Pastore in the mix somewhere


De Rossi is as important as ever now, and just as Totti had to resist Real years back, so too will De Rossi have to resist the best clubs in the world. but i think he wants to be the figurehead of this era, as Totti was the Sensi era.

Perrotta will get less and less playing time but just signed a new deal, so unlikely to leave the legend he is.

Sissoko is terrible going back to Liverpool days, and tho I think Montolivo is enticing due to his age and being italian, i find his price to be quite inflated.


anyone we buy is going to fit LE's style and be young as his first comments about the squad were how old we are.


i would love to take Aguero from you guys tho :( hell of alot of money, and few players in the world deserve a tag of that price, but i actually think he is one of them.

[phat]

Every year is the same story with Roma. How can you compete with no defense and no GK. Roma has the worst defense of all the top teams in Europe and has been that way for at least 6-7 years. The haven't had a real DM since Dacourt.

Either way you don't need to sell De Rossi unless they need the cash, cause he's about the only player worth anything on the squad.

And ummm... no offense but Totti needs to go. He's done. He wants that CL but it just won't happen, he's to old, lazy and slow. Just a waste. My bet is LE will bench him solid. When players like Totti and DDR start thinking they're bigger then the club it causes problems in the dressing room.

I like Perrotta, in 2006. He's not the same player anymore. Move on. Pizarro as well.

There's also a lot of heavy wages for these players and unfortunately they're simply based on vanity because they are not producing anymore.

[TechGuyatNY]

Every year is the same story with Roma. How can you compete with no defense and no GK. Roma has the worst defense of all the top teams in Europe and has been that way for at least 6-7 years. The haven't had a real DM since Dacourt.

Either way you don't need to sell De Rossi unless they need the cash, cause he's about the only player worth anything on the squad.

And ummm... no offense but Totti needs to go. He's done. He wants that CL but it just won't happen, he's to old, lazy and slow. Just a waste. My bet is LE will bench him solid. When players like Totti and DDR start thinking they're bigger then the club it causes problems in the dressing room.

I like Perrotta, in 2006. He's not the same player anymore. Move on. Pizarro as well.

There's also a lot of heavy wages for these players and unfortunately they're simply based on vanity because they are not producing anymore.

arsenal and bayern have worser defenses and GK's :D

so we're third worse... imo

and there's still a place for totti in the team. he was our third best player last season (after mexes and simplicio). under montella, totti was the one carrying the team. he wasn't lazy. he was the only one who actually gave a ***. for a forward, totti is not lazy. borriello, menez, and vucinic are lazier. totti's always been slow, nothing new there. he relies on his touch and off the ball movement. he'll probably get less playing time next season depending on how many forwards we bring in this summer. but he's still an asset to the team. he won't be solidly benched. when we're down a goal or two, the one as roma player you would count on to make a difference is totti

[talk2smc]

Every year is the same story with Roma. How can you compete with no defense and no GK. Roma has the worst defense of all the top teams in Europe and has been that way for at least 6-7 years. The haven't had a real DM since Dacourt.

Either way you don't need to sell De Rossi unless they need the cash, cause he's about the only player worth anything on the squad.

And ummm... no offense but Totti needs to go. He's done. He wants that CL but it just won't happen, he's to old, lazy and slow. Just a waste. My bet is LE will bench him solid. When players like Totti and DDR start thinking they're bigger then the club it causes problems in the dressing room.

I like Perrotta, in 2006. He's not the same player anymore. Move on. Pizarro as well.

There's also a lot of heavy wages for these players and unfortunately they're simply based on vanity because they are not producing anymore.

how can we compete? seems we did that under Spalletti, Ranieri, and Montella as we finished above certain other clubs...

i think you are right, we could have competed better with better defense. our defense has been terrible for nearly 10 years.

Totti? finished. seems ive heard that one since 2005ish. lazy, slow, wasteful...suree. lifted trophies and was Europes highest scorer since then. scored 12 in our last 13. wouldnt even be sitting in Europe if it werent for him which is pretty much like how many of our last few seasons?
if hes done at 34, whats ADP at two years older?

Totti and De Rossi were never the problem at all in the locker room in past years. every Roma fan who follows us knows Borriello and Menez, and sometimes Mirko are generally those culprits with Borriello being the one under Ranieri and Montella who was the most trouble.

Perrotta and Pizarro are just older. Perrotta isnt a starter anymore and wont be under LE. Pizarro has a skill set that not many have and his passes are still killer. despite his age he and Totti are the two that probably fit seamlessly into Barca type passing style.

heavy wages are Roma management's fault. but we have worked on it. Baptista, Cicinho, trying with Doni, all trying to get off the wage bill. Mexes as well now :(

all signs moving in the right direction including not signing Alvarez because Sabatini specifically said players should get paid what they are worth, and he hasnt won anything yet and is too young to demand the $ his agent wants in wages. so things moving in the right direction for sure.

[bigb0i13]

arsenal and bayern have worser defenses and GK's :D

so we're third worse... imo

and there's still a place for totti in the team. he was our third best player last season (after mexes and simplicio). under montella, totti was the one carrying the team. he wasn't lazy. he was the only one who actually gave a ***. for a forward, totti is not lazy. borriello, menez, and vucinic are lazier. totti's always been slow, nothing new there. he relies on his touch and off the ball movement. he'll probably get less playing time next season depending on how many forwards we bring in this summer. but he's still an asset to the team. he won't be solidly benched. when we're down a goal or two, the one as roma player you would count on to make a difference is totti



Totti is lazy period. And Vucinic is definitely not lazy, tho his time in Roma is done, minus some sudden and true rejuvenation. There is room for Totti tho. He came into last season in shape, the best shape since he scored 26 goals. He can do very well for Roma.



And I really disagree on the destroyer thing. They have De Rossi, who is a Faz Tudo in the midfield. The last thing Roma need is a destroyer when he's here.



What's happening with Gaston Ramirez?

[phat]

This thread is about Roma and not Juve, I don't see why ADP is in question. Either way I won't deny that they have their own problems.


...

for EL and CL 25-man squad registration, we need 4 home grown players and 4 trained in italy. selling de rossi is a no go

all those listed targets are trained foreignly

we're not intermerda

I have never heard of this...

[TechGuyatNY]

I have never heard of this...

it's been around for a while... http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/807

you need 8 homegrown players, at least 4 of which have to been trained in your own club between ages of 15-21, so argentinian messi would still classify as homegrown for barca, and brazilian pato would be homegrown for ac milan

for roma, we have totti, derossi, greco, rosi, curci, and okaka who qualify as "club"grown AND "nation"grown

then vucinic, loria, perrotta, borriello, brighi, guberti, and cassetti as "nation"grown

so if we sell derossi, and loan out curci and okaka, we'd be a man short for the europa league registration. either that or we find some way to buy aquilani back

[phat]

it's been around for a while... http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/807

you need 8 homegrown players, at least 4 of which have to been trained in your own club between ages of 15-21, so argentinian messi would still classify as homegrown for barca, and brazilian pato would be homegrown for ac milan

for roma, we have totti, derossi, greco, rosi, curci, and okaka who qualify as "club"grown AND "nation"grown

then vucinic, loria, perrotta, borriello, brighi, guberti, and cassetti as "nation"grown

so if we sell derossi, and loan out curci and okaka, we'd be a man short for the europa league registration. either that or we find some way to buy aquilani back

I'm pretty sure they could bring someone up from the youth system just for show.

[TechGuyatNY]

I'm pretty sure they could bring someone up from the youth system just for show.

U-21 players don't need to register for champions/europa league to play

[talk2smc]

crazy that some think Totti is lazy in a sense. I see Menez and Mirko WALK around the pitch all the time. Totti just doesnt have pace and never has. but he busts his ass to get into the box.

Jeremy and Mirko? they are classic hugggely talented players who know they can flip a game in a second so they dont work all match.




seems Nego from Nantes is our first signing. still know nothing other than he was on a free and might have signed a 3 yr deal.

[phat]

U-21 players don't need to register for champions/europa league to play

But they would/could be considered "home grown"?

[TechGuyatNY]

But they would/could be considered "home grown"?

correct. but it would take up one of the 25 player slots. so if we have no intention of playing this player, or if they're not good enough for the senior team, we're really playing with only 24 players in CL/EL

so to take it a step further, if our entire senior team are argentinians and we register 8 backup roma primaveras to fulfill the homegrown quota, we'd be essentially playing with only 17 argentinian players. taking form, fatigue, injuries, and suspensions into account, 17 players is really lacking in depth for any competition

[soheil86]

crazy that some think Totti is lazy in a sense. I see Menez and Mirko WALK around the pitch all the time. Totti just doesnt have pace and never has. but he busts his ass to get into the box.

Jeremy and Mirko? they are classic hugggely talented players who know they can flip a game in a second so they dont work all match.




seems Nego from Nantes is our first signing. still know nothing other than he was on a free and might have signed a 3 yr deal.

the haters have been calling him "lazy" and "finished" for years now, yet here he is breaking records with his goals and putting lazio in its place. THE KING IS NOT DEAD.

and im surprised we are not going after after aguero. when was our last BIG signing? batistuta? like 11 years ago? signing him would not only improve the team on the pitch, it would also be a great PR move by benedetto/sabatini as it will show their intentions and what they want to do. 25-28M+menez should be enough to get him.

and for the goalkeeper, either get someone that is better than what we have or dont get anyone at all.

[talk2smc]

i agree on Aguero. i think hes one of few who is actually worth his price tag. especially if we sold Mirko, Aguero would be such a coup.

but seems Juve are going to spend for him : / how many times in ROma's history has that happened. us missing out and Juve signing players that would have been a great addition for us. cmon Roma! : /

we keep getting linked with a ton of players but i have nt seen anything offical yet.

latest is Kameni of Espanyol at GK and Angel of Gijon at LB.

[TechGuyatNY]

kameni is a pretty good keeper and still can develop a little further. i'd rate him. i think kameni's probably just a tad better than jsb in his 09/10 form. even tho i think we can do better than kameni, i'd still be satisfied if we land him as 1st choice between the posts. it's an improvement nonetheless over curci/doni/jsb/lobont

angel tho i've never heard of

seems like we're linked with every obscure american and spaniard out there possible. i'm still perplexed as to why we don't make a move for giuseppe rossi. DB wants americans. LE wants spaniards. and the fans want italians. why not get rossi? he qualifies for all 3. isn't DB a new yorker also? ...so is rossi. i'd rather we get rossi than aguero, but that's just my bias speaking for itself. i haven't actually heard any reports linking us with him

[talk2smc]

Di Bene has roots in Boston I believe with the Red Sox etc, not sure where hes born. Rossi from NJ just outside of NY.

would love it too, but doesnt seem to be a word about it. Aguero either : /


Angel fits LE's mold. young, quick, crosser of the ball. Nego, I know nothing. but its a young LB and RB respectively.

in goal, I still dont know why we arent pushing for Viviano, man did Bologna fuck that up. I think we lost the most in that fuck up. Kameni I dont rate much, a bit too erractic in the one position you cant really be erractic in, im not sure how much he would improve things.

shell out another 5 mil and we're right in the likes of Stekelnberg, and Viviano.

[bigb0i13]

Jose Angel's agent supposedly said a deal was 48hours away.


And Kameni is very very good. Lack of form has more to do with his Espanyol time going too long.

[talk2smc]

Jose Angel's agent supposedly said a deal was 48hours away.


spot on, Sabatini saying Angel is basically a Roman player now, which is good to push some competition onto Riise.

Pastore link back again but I just dont see it. Zamparini is a mad man and theres no point in spending 50 mil on player worth 20 imo.

Mirko to meet with the directors next week :( still a chance he could stay

[jnice17]

Walter Sabatini just said on Ona FM (Catalunya radio) that the signing of Bojan will be closed today or tomorrow and the agreement with Bojan is TOTAL as they like to say in Spain.

[talk2smc]

Walter Sabatini just said on Ona FM (Catalunya radio) that the signing of Bojan will be closed today or tomorrow and the agreement with Bojan is TOTAL as they like to say in Spain.

sweet, was just hearing a bit myself after a few days of quiet. not everyone too excited but ive admired Bojan, and tho it seems he will replace Mirko, i think its a great signing for us and fair price for Barca.

[Nakata]

sweet, was just hearing a bit myself after a few days of quiet. not everyone too excited but ive admired Bojan, and tho it seems he will replace Mirko, i think its a great signing for us and fair price for Barca.

Yeah I'm all for it! Great young signing. I'm really excited.

[TechGuyatNY]

am i the only one not excited by bojan? :confused:

[bigb0i13]

Is Gaston Ramirez ever coming to Roma?

[talk2smc]

Is Gaston Ramirez ever coming to Roma?

talk has cooled on that link.


it seems Riise is set for Fulham, which makes sense given the Angel signing is a short time away and LE will definitely prefer Angel to Riise.
a bit concerned tho, as LB is one of our weak positions, and we are selling off Riise...

i remember his goal v Inter, and popped up against Milan too...always did a great job bombing forward, i never had any big issues with Riise. :)


still waiting for confirmations on Lamela, Bojan, Angel, a keeper.

[Sktrad]

Left full backs …

Out:


Castellini returned to his home team and was recently loaned to Sampdoria.

Riise appears to have moved to Fulham (not official yet), for about 2.6M (was purchased for 5M).


In:


Antunes is coming back, he hasn't played at all for Livorno, where he was on loan. He was a youngster a few years ago, he's stopped being one …

Crescenzi plays on both the left and right side of the pitch. I've watched a few of his matches, and I am really hoping he'll keep up the good performances he's put on. I believe he's quite a nice prospect. He was consistenly in the starting lineup at Crotone last year (which doesn't necessarily speak in his favour, given the team's quality). It's quite likely Crescenzi will stay, depending on how the pre-season unfurls …

Sabatini mentioned having signed Jose Angel — but it's still not official.

Emiliano Insua has been linked to Roma, yet another Liverpool player. I think Sabatini will want to sign or loan a moderately experienced Italian left back, a safe fall back in case Jose Angel doesn't blend in.

[Sktrad]

am i the only one not excited by bojan? :confused:

Were you excited when Menez was signed?

Justin Bieber, err … Bojan is twenty one, weights sixty five and scrapes the 170 cm mark. Montella, in his heydays was physically very similar to him, with an equally good technique.

I'm as skeptical as you seem to be. At best he's going to push in lots of goals, perhaps create good occasions out of a few dribbles … but at worst he's going to be towered by defenders who play more physically than the Spanish do.

His physique engenders some perplexities: he doesn't seem as complete as, say, Pazzini (totally uninteresting player, but same price tag!) or Cavani (better!). The latter two will help the team keep possession even when midfield's not up to the task, they will complete head passes and shots and physically challenge defenders … this little guy is going to require lots of technique, speed and tactical savvy to make an impact.

[TechGuyatNY]

Were you excited when Menez was signed?

Justin Bieber, err … Bojan is twenty one, weights sixty five and scrapes the 170 cm mark. Montella, in his heydays was physically very similar to him, with an equally good technique.

I'm as skeptical as you seem to be. At best he's going to push in lots of goals, perhaps create good occasions out of a few dribbles … but at worst he's going to be towered by defenders who play more physically than the Spanish do.

His physique engenders some perplexities: he doesn't seem as complete as, say, Pazzini (totally uninteresting player, but same price tag!) or Cavani (better!). The latter two will help the team keep possession even when midfield's not up to the task, they will complete head passes and shots and physically challenge defenders … this little guy is going to require lots of technique, speed and tactical savvy to make an impact.

i was more excited about menez/lamela than bojan because they're more or less unknowns when we signed them. bojan had his chance to prove himself for barca, and his scoring ratio's only ~0.25. considering la liga has paperthin defenses, and barca has assist-masters xaviesta, that ratio's pretty rubbish IMO. i hope bojan proves me wrong, but i think he's going to flop in italy. plus the fact he generally doesn't seem interested in joining us puts me off

[bigb0i13]

Bojan is built similarly to Luis Enrique? The one managing you all now? Uhh, no.



Bojan's goal-scoring ratio...he clearly isn't the super-sub type and Barcelona has had Eto'o, Zlatan, Villa in his place. Add Henry, Pedro, the Argentinian guy. Besides, he's a striker.

[Sktrad]

Bojan is built similarly to Luis Enrique? The one managing you all now? Uhh, no.


(Same build as Montella: both 170 cm, neither reaches 70 kg)

[bigb0i13]

(Same build as Montella: both 170 cm, neither reaches 70 kg)



I have no idea what I read. My bad.

[talk2smc]

Point:
dont know how many years alot of us have been Roma fans. but I havent celebrated many Batistuta type signings, I shit when we bought Borriello bc I had no idea we had 10 mil in the bank, every summer we sold before we bought, and Im used to transfer windows bringing in players like Wilhelmsshon, Andreolli, Tavano, and Faty. so far weve only lost Mexes on a free, and IF Mirko or Menez goes we should get at least 30 mil for them. ie. not summers like selling Chivu, selling Aquilani, selling Cassano, AND we will hold De Rossi this year.

so to get players like Bojan, Lamela, or to spend something like 20-30 mil in a window makes me get dizzy and fall over.





Lamela in advanced negotiations, looooving that, and Bojan as well. ANgel already practically ours, keeper situation still viewing certain keepers.

Montali formally discontinuing with us today as well.

[talk2smc]

Lamela is ours :)
5 yr contract, a bit pricey on the wages given his age, but then again, Doni makes 4 mil a yr with us :rolleyes:

well done Sabatini tho it seems we aid more than i expected to for him, but i hope that Lamela is a huge hit with us

[phat]

Lamela is ours :)
5 yr contract, a bit pricey on the wages given his age, but then again, Doni makes 4 mil a yr with us :rolleyes:

well done Sabatini tho it seems we aid more than i expected to for him, but i hope that Lamela is a huge hit with us

I think its a great signing.

[talk2smc]

I think its a great signing.

on the pricey end really, especially for a team who just got relegated...but a left footed creative player, young, quick..decent shot...im excited for him surely

Sabatini cooling the Steklenberg link, and reiterating again we want to keep Mirko

[bigb0i13]

Is it completely impossible that Roma would bring back Aquilani? An ideal fit for the team and the type of football Luis Enrique loves.

[TechGuyatNY]

Is it completely impossible that Roma would bring back Aquilani? An ideal fit for the team and the type of football Luis Enrique loves.

i wish. i miss that kid

but i don't think he wants to come back

[Nakata]

Point:
dont know how many years alot of us have been Roma fans. but I havent celebrated many Batistuta type signings, I shit when we bought Borriello bc I had no idea we had 10 mil in the bank, every summer we sold before we bought, and Im used to transfer windows bringing in players like Wilhelmsshon, Andreolli, Tavano, and Faty.

I know what you mean brotha. Batigol was a huge signing for us! That guy was a goal scoring machine. I loved Cafu and Nakata as well.

Having signed mediocre players these last couple of years and selling Aqulani has been depressing. I feel like we have a bright future ahead of us.

I'm really excited about getting some younger players (lowering the average age of our squad), getting some depth, SIGNING some defenders and goalkeeper. Hopefully new management will make smarter decisions than Rosella & co.

I don't see Lamela starting. I seem him coming off the bench and giving us a spark. He has a bright future ahead of him. Anyone agree or disagree about him starting or coming off the bench?

[TechGuyatNY]

I don't see Lamela starting. I seem him coming off the bench and giving us a spark. He has a bright future ahead of him. Anyone agree or disagree about him starting or coming off the bench?

depends on who else we sign. i don't see bojan starting for us either. it'll probably be 50/50 on the right wing between bojan/lamela

but again, depends who else we sign

[bigb0i13]

depends on who else we sign. i don't see bojan starting for us either. it'll probably be 50/50 on the right wing between bojan/lamela

but again, depends who else we sign



Bojan is definitely going to be starting, unless he's sucking. He got time at Barcelona, he just never got to start and he's not the super-sub type (a quality that Pedro has in abundance, which must have made it even more difficult for Bojan to accept).



He's talented as hell and he needs to get consistent time. Lamela is 18, so I doubt he starts. Bojan is a guarantee, even if he doesn't start from the day 1.

[talk2smc]

i dont think Rosella made poor buys beyond Adriano, i think she made buys within the budget. and that the Cicinho's, Doni's, Baptista's, Adriano's, etc were all terrible wage decisions.


ill be honest, im a bit perplexed with who will play! LE says Totti is integral so, but Sabatini also states that Borriello is staying, and we want to keep Mirko. but that Bojan is coming too...

LE also pushing for 4-3-3
as of now- i am purely guessing

?Keeper

Angel LB Juan CB Burdisso CB Cassetti RB

Pizarro RMF De Rossi CMF Lamela LMF

Bojan RWF Totti CFW Vucinic LWF




Rosi as an alt for RB, Borriello i think will still make the bench often, Perrotta as well, i think Menez will be sold, Simplicio, Taddei, Brighi, all bench players still.



also, it seems Lamela has gone with Aq's old number, 8.

[bigb0i13]

i dont think Rosella made poor buys beyond Adriano, i think she made buys within the budget. and that the Cicinho's, Doni's, Baptista's, Adriano's, etc were all terrible wage decisions.


ill be honest, im a bit perplexed with who will play! LE says Totti is integral so, but Sabatini also states that Borriello is staying, and we want to keep Mirko. but that Bojan is coming too...

LE also pushing for 4-3-3
as of now- i am purely guessing

?Keeper

Angel LB Juan CB Burdisso CB Cassetti RB

Pizarro RMF De Rossi CMF Lamela LMF

Bojan RWF Totti CFW Vucinic LWF




Rosi as an alt for RB, Borriello i think will still make the bench often, Perrotta as well, i think Menez will be sold, Simplicio, Taddei, Brighi, all bench players still.



also, it seems Lamela has gone with Aq's old number, 8.



Lamela isn't a CM. From what I know of him he's made to play in the front 3.


And you obviously need a CB and RB.

[talk2smc]

Lamela isn't a CM. From what I know of him he's made to play in the front 3.


unless im incorrect he certainly isnt a FW. MF for sure, centrally inclined but effective on either side.

and yes Sabatini has addressed our need of a CB and RB has an again Cassetti, which is why I thought Rosi may start if we dont buy a RB.

Kjaer for CB....would love that. but agent says no offer.

[bigb0i13]

unless im incorrect he certainly isnt a FW. MF for sure, centrally inclined but effective on either side.

and yes Sabatini has addressed our need of a CB and RB has an again Cassetti, which is why I thought Rosi may start if we dont buy a RB.

Kjaer for CB....would love that. but agent says no offer.



A forward, not really, but something close to what Messi is and definitely not ideal in a 3man midfield. Tho maybe he develops to playing in front of the two, right behind the forwards.

[talk2smc]

A forward, not really, but something close to what Messi is and definitely not ideal in a 3man midfield. Tho maybe he develops to playing in front of the two, right behind the forwards.

LE specifically requesting, and LE adamant user of the 4-3-3. cant imagine he doesnt suit a 3 man mid.

excited for him nonetheless and i imagine with LE favoring young players he'll get a good chunk of time

[TechGuyatNY]

heres my guess

GK steklenburg
RB: rosi/cassetti
RCB: niko
LCB: juan
LB: angel/crescenzi
RCM: pizarro
LCM: derossi
CAM: lamela/or new signing
RF: bojan/lamela
LF: mirko
CF: totti

-----GK------
---RCB LCB---
RB---------LB
--RCM LCM---
----CAM-----
-RF-------LF-
-----CF------

totti in his traditional false9 role, with bojan/mirko/lamela running into channels. pizarro/derossi deeper

still hard to call as i'm sure we'll be making more signings

our B team/bench will compose of lobont, rosi, crescenzi, simplicio, brighi, bertolacci, greco, borriello, d'alessandro, and of course some new signings. we need depth at CB badly. it pains me to say it but it makes financial sense to sell perrotta and taddei

[soheil86]

heres my guess

GK steklenburg
RB: rosi/cassetti
RCB: niko
LCB: juan
LB: angel/crescenzi
RCM: pizarro
LCM: derossi
CAM: lamela/or new signing
RF: bojan/lamela
LF: mirko
CF: totti

-----GK------
---RCB LCB---
RB---------LB
--RCM LCM---
----CAM-----
-RF-------LF-
-----CF------

totti in his traditional false9 role, with bojan/mirko/lamela running into channels. pizarro/derossi deeper

still hard to call as i'm sure we'll be making more signings

our B team/bench will compose of lobont, rosi, crescenzi, simplicio, brighi, bertolacci, greco, borriello, d'alessandro, and of course some new signings. we need depth at CB badly. it pains me to say it but it makes financial sense to sell perrotta and taddei

giving perrotta a new contract last season was another mess by the management. taddei could still fill in on the wings as we lack players there, but perrotta will be 0% use to us next year. he must be sold and he is in the way of young players like greco and bertolacci.

i believe vucinic will be sold. menez is still 50-50, he is an idiot though, had issues with spalletti,ranieri, and montella.

lamela will be a rotation player at least, it would be idiotic to spend 20M on him and then keep him on the bench.

sabatini should also get shakira, little but strong player with good technique. and with the goalkeepers we have been linked with, i prefer sergio romero than the others.

[talk2smc]

ill throw my hat into the ring for Romero as well. tho I truly wanted Viviano. :( fucking Bologna:mad:

[TechGuyatNY]

giving perrotta a new contract last season was another mess by the management. taddei could still fill in on the wings as we lack players there, but perrotta will be 0% use to us next year. he must be sold and he is in the way of young players like greco and bertolacci.

i believe vucinic will be sold. menez is still 50-50, he is an idiot though, had issues with spalletti,ranieri, and montella.

lamela will be a rotation player at least, it would be idiotic to spend 20M on him and then keep him on the bench.

sabatini should also get shakira, little but strong player with good technique. and with the goalkeepers we have been linked with, i prefer sergio romero than the others.

giving perrotta a new contract was so we wouldn't lose him on a free. there are still a lot of clubs that could still offer a decent amt of money to us to buy perrotta. mirko will only be sold if it's a good offer. sabatini said himself he wants to keep him

[Nakata]

ill throw my hat into the ring for Romero as well. tho I truly wanted Viviano. :( fucking Bologna:mad:

Me too. I wouldn't mind Sigiru either.

A friend of mine said this so I'll quote him because it's perfectly said.

"Totti needs to take him under his wings. He has to pass on his years of experiences and help him prosper in the environment. A lot is going to be asked of this kid - at 19 he is commanding a big transfer fee for Roma standards so the expectations are sky high. I just hope he is given enough time and space to prosper.

Lamela is not a goal scoring machine but the kid can supply day in and day out. He just needs to be handled really well and I hope his 5 years & more are wonderful at Roma."

[talk2smc]

I dont think Totti does at all, nor do I think he will. he always has been fine with the younger players, but I think LE will take all the youngsters under his wing, as thats bascially what his job was at Barca.

it wont be Il Capitano doing that...it will be LE working extra with Lamela, Angel if he comes, Bojan etc.

[talk2smc]

Angel announced in a day or so, bids for Zabaleta, and Kameni apparently was asked for specifically by LE as opposed to Steklenberg. low wages reportedly too, and about 4.5 mil to sign him which is nice

im not sure how large an impact he will have, he can be a bit erractic from what ive seen but very decent shot stopper whenever I caught Espanyol play

[TechGuyatNY]

Angel announced in a day or so, bids for Zabaleta, and Kameni apparently was asked for specifically by LE as opposed to Steklenberg. low wages reportedly too, and about 4.5 mil to sign him which is nice

im not sure how large an impact he will have, he can be a bit erractic from what ive seen but very decent shot stopper whenever I caught Espanyol play

i used to buy him everytime in PES08 :D

[TechGuyatNY]

seems like we have angel/bojan pretty much in the bag now

we're also linked with zabaleta now though for €10m. and our bid for kameni is going to be around the €2m mark

which means so far we might have 4 new players next season, all spanish-ey. but we still got time/money to sign some italiani like giuseppi rossi, lucchini, or marchisio right?

crescenzi/bertolacci were also in the squad in our recent training session tho, which means they're probably staying with us next season

[phat]

seems like we have angel/bojan pretty much in the bag now

we're also linked with zabaleta now though for €10m. and our bid for kameni is going to be around the €2m mark

which means so far we might have 4 new players next season, all spanish-ey. but we still got time/money to sign some italiani like giuseppi rossi, lucchini, or marchisio right?

crescenzi/bertolacci were also in the squad in our recent training session tho, which means they're probably staying with us next season

Marchisio? You need to break the bank on that one me thinks and I still don't think he will be sold.

[TechGuyatNY]

Marchisio? You need to break the bank on that one me thinks and I still don't think he will be sold.

most likely not. same goes for giuseppi rossi. haven't heard of us being linked with any italians really

but trade deal with vucinic <> marchisio was mentioned about a week ago

[phat]

most likely not. same goes for giuseppi rossi. haven't heard of us being linked with any italians really

but trade deal with vucinic <> marchisio was mentioned about a week ago

I heard of the swap but I don't think Marchisio is on the selling block. Conte needs him in his 4-2-4.

[phat]

Heinze being linked now? Why not make a move for Palombo?

[talk2smc]

Heinze doesnt fit with any of the words that Di Benedetto and LE said today in their official press conference.

highlights of the best parts- (paraphrasing)

DiBene- We (owners) wont select players. only management. :D we want top management. LE, Sabatini, and Baldini later this year will run the club and we will provide finances for the players.

he asked for patience and time to build Roma

LE stated Totti is an icon he will build upon, and that Sabatini will address Mirko's situation.

he wants attacking football focusing on youth players and younger players who will prove to grow and perform in Rome, but they also need time.



which is why Heinze isnt coming. Angel already here, and Kameni on his way.

[talk2smc]

also- new uni's!

http://www.corrieredellosport.it/foto/calcio/serie_a/roma/2011/07/14-33046_0/Roma%2C+ecco+le+nuove+maglie+per+la+stagione+2011-2012





LOVE seeing the scudetto patch for the young ones :D

love the completely white away too. they all look similar to years past, i dont really like the home collar, and the kappa logos on the bottom near the side instead of the shoulders.

[phat]

Make a move Maurizio Isla. I wish he would come to Juve tbh.

On Marchisio:

"What is the player of today in which I see myself the most? I would say Marchisio, but I think Claudio is stronger than I was."

Marchisio ain't going anywhere.

[Sktrad]

Heinze being linked now? Why not make a move for Palombo?

There's no way Palombo is going to leave Sampdoria, unless they are offered an obscene amount of cash. Sensibile (sports director) clearly stated their captain wasn't for sale — he's the symbolic player, the only one who wasn't booed by fans last year …

In short, Palombo's too expensive.

[Sktrad]

Burdisso is away, playing with Argentina. Juan needs rehabilitation (I have no idea why, but that's what was claimed by Sabatini) … hence the dire need for two central defenders to bring along during the pre-season.

Heinze would set back Roma's financial plans significantly: he isn't young at all, thus would require high wages … We've lost Mexes on a free transfer, I am really hoping we're not going to sign the older, less experienced (in Italy), Heinze — for the same salary.

[talk2smc]

Okaka not included in the training squad, LE doesnt think he is necessary.

a shame, as i always felt he didnt get a fair shake, and that we wasted fucking money on Baptista and Adriano when Okaka was better than the both of those shits.

he will certainly be sold now. hard to forget his backheel v Siena
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAa8PdbqVs0


with change of culture and management tho, someone is always set to miss out..

[Nakata]

Burdisso is away, playing with Argentina. Juan needs rehabilitation (I have no idea why, but that's what was claimed by Sabatini) … hence the dire need for two central defenders to bring along during the pre-season.

Heinze would set back Roma's financial plans significantly: he isn't young at all, thus would require high wages … We've lost Mexes on a free transfer, I am really hoping we're not going to sign the older, less experienced (in Italy), Heinze — for the same salary.

He'd be a fine 3 or 4th choice for CB and can be used as a LB. He's definitely a decent back up. We're paying absolutely nothing for his contract and offering a measly €600,000/year wage. That's almost less than what we were paying Loria.

[Nakata]

also- new uni's!

http://www.corrieredellosport.it/foto/calcio/serie_a/roma/2011/07/14-33046_0/Roma%2C+ecco+le+nuove+maglie+per+la+stagione+2011-2012





LOVE seeing the scudetto patch for the young ones :D

love the completely white away too. they all look similar to years past, i dont really like the home collar, and the kappa logos on the bottom near the side instead of the shoulders.



Yeah i love the white ones! On the other colors I really hate the collar! Eck!

[talk2smc]

Yeah i love the white ones! On the other colors I really hate the collar! Eck!

yea not a fan of the collars at all. but the all whites look great for sure

yea Heinze looks like a proper link, i guess if its a one yr deal worth shit money so be it, but certainly doesnt fit with any plans from what DiBene or LE have stated.

Doni officially to Liverpool which is awesome. up and down the whole time he was with us, and congrats to his agent for taking advantage of terrible Roma management for how much money we had to pay him.

Bojan deal seems a bit in trouble as he was called by Guardiola to training camp, but its still possible i suppose

Our training camp has started and Totti and Perrotta have come out to say they are interested by LE's approach, and that the coach wants more ball to feet and possession, and absolutely no long balls. no surprises there

[Nakata]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBoiSL2Uxw8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBoiSL2Uxw8

Not sure if you guys have seen this clip but it was from a few days ago.
It always great motivation to see your coach playing on the pitch. It's a bit early but I do like what I see from LE.

[talk2smc]

yea, hes a fit dude, runs marathons, still plays often. Spalletti and Montella were always playing with the squads too.

I like LE, and the philosophy is great, what worries me is that you need extremely technical players to produce Barca type football. we have some players of that mold, but not all.

Totti, Taddei, Pizarro, Menez, Mirko, Lamela now, but certainly some players who dont necessarily fall into that category, Burdisso, Cassetti, Brighi, Perrotta, Borriello.

add in the youth coming in, this transition is going to take time, in a city that doesnt afford time.

[Nakata]

add in the youth coming in, this transition is going to take time, in a city that doesnt afford time.

Yeah so true.

LE ran the Iron man I heard. That's crazy. I don't think we'll play Barca type football, but maybe something that of a hybrid that fits our players strengths.

[talk2smc]

Yeah so true.

LE ran the Iron man I heard. That's crazy. I don't think we'll play Barca type football, but maybe something that of a hybrid that fits our players strengths.

in todays friendly (not that I put stock in them other than getting players fit and used to a system) Totti scored the first of 10-0 with Borriello getting 3. as much as Okaka didnt get a chance, Caprari is getting a look the past 6 months which i like.

and most importantly even tho against lesser opposition in all aspects, the ball was played to feet through the wings and no long balls over the top.

[TechGuyatNY]

LE is probably more fit than most of our team, menez, vucinic, etc

i think LE could still be a competitive player for a serie B team

i never saw him play for barca, but i really admire him for his fitness and his attitude

[Phenom]

hoping you guys can get back to where you were;)

[talk2smc]

hoping you guys can get back to where you were;)

in 00-01 :D


not too happy with Baldini's comments about Totti today, eluding to him needing to focus more on football.

uhhhh, he's only carried us on his back for how many years including last year now? :confused:

anyway, however you construe the comments, its not very positive.







updates:

Angel signed officially today, welcome! you are coming into our weakest position and probably will start every match haha!

Kameni is reporting to Espanyol's medical staff in the next day so its possible there were problems with signing him....thats worrying...

Guardiola says Bojan is very close to Roma...

everyone keeps praising Vucinic, meanwhile I havent read any concrete offers...

friendly later in the summer with PSG, wish I could go

[TechGuyatNY]

baldini's comments are very horrendously translated and misunderstood, media just making a bath out of it thats all

baldini just wants totti to stay out of boardroom business. i have no idea how the media translated this into baldini calling totti "lazy"

[Sktrad]

Spalletti and Montella were always playing with the squads too.

Montella wasn't too shabby either, when he played with the squad … this is lovely stop performed, while coaching, at the Olimpico.

http://youtu.be/4YbwJF7iVNs

http://youtu.be/4YbwJF7iVNs

[Sktrad]

i never saw him play for barca, but i really admire him for his fitness and his attitude

I watched him play for the Spanish national team on a bunch of occasions: I must admit I loathed the guy. I was under the impression he argued excessively with referees and played dirty, but then I was extremely biased against Spanish players, and aged ten or so …

This is what happened during USA '94:

http://youtu.be/qdm0QBmUfLs

http://youtu.be/qdm0QBmUfLs

In the same match he fouled Costacurta when Spain scored.

[phat]

I remember that match and world cup vividly. One of the best WC's IMO.

[talk2smc]

god i miss Montella in his prime...class as a manager too, despite his short stint. (and me lucky enough to be there for one of his games :D)

updates-

apparently the deal fell thru for Kameni, which makes no sense to me, and now Sabatini going to get a 6 mil Stekelenberg. im ok with him, but you never want a player coming in who pretty much publicly knew he wasnt first choice...

no new news on Mirko

City and others keep lightly pushing for De Rossi, with muted reports of 23 mil being touted which is laughable, but i dont think any of the links are turly serious. and De Rossi will extend shortly i believe.

[fcb_sandy05]

god i miss Montella in his prime...class as a manager too, despite his short stint. (and me lucky enough to be there for one of his games :D)

updates-

apparently the deal fell thru for Kameni, which makes no sense to me, and now Sabatini going to get a 6 mil Stekelenberg. im ok with him, but you never want a player coming in who pretty much publicly knew he wasnt first choice...

no new news on Mirko

City and others keep lightly pushing for De Rossi, with muted reports of 23 mil being touted which is laughable, but i dont think any of the links are turly serious. and De Rossi will extend shortly i believe.
Well, 6mil is just the bid from Roma. I'd be surprised if he moved for that much. Ajax would expect at least 10mil. Kameni may have been first choice but I think that's only because of his significantly lower transfer fee despite Roma saying otherwise.

[talk2smc]

Well, 6mil is just the bid from Roma. I'd be surprised if he moved for that much. Ajax would expect at least 10mil. Kameni may have been first choice but I think that's only because of his significantly lower transfer fee despite Roma saying otherwise.

possibly. Sabatini had said recently it was a technical choice from LE that he wanted Kameni. Kameni was to come for 4.5, Stek for 6, not a huge difference, and I think they will sell at 6 or less even bc otherwise they have to push a sale in Jan window, as after that he leaves on a free.

i rate them both about the same tho, kind of...like 7/10. I think we could get a better keeper, out of all the ones we've been linked with I thought Romero was our best bet.


i take that back- Viviano. :( thanks againnnn Bologna.

[talk2smc]

Bojan a Roma player now.
and ridiculous fucking management AGAIN by Roma.

we signed him for 12 mil. and Barca, greaaaat negotiations from them. they have a buy back in two years for 13 mil. we can only cancel out that buy back by paying 28 MIL!

soooo, potentially 40 mil for Bojan. yes, Bojan. get fucking Aguero, or Tevez, or Nasri and Ribery for that money.

the onnnnnly way it makes sense, is if Sabatini KNOWS we wont buy him outright, in others words, keep him for two years, and then let Barca buy him back whether hes been a stud or not because then we actually make money on the deal. (1 mil) otherwise, its a terrible deal imo. (not the player, the conditions)


in addition, Heinze:rolleyes: signed a one yr deal with an option for a second, and Nego from Nantes is a Roma player as well.

[talk2smc]

Angel LB Juan CB Burdisso CB Cassetti RB

Pizarro RMF De Rossi CMF Lamela LMF

Bojan RWF Totti CFW Vucinic LWF


Heinze possibly in every other game or so at CB, and a keeper in there. Borriello at CF, and Perrotta available anywhere along the mid.

looking increasingly likely. dont think we'll make many more signings now

[TechGuyatNY]

bojan deal is epic retarded. but i don't rate him that highly anyway. he doesnt exactly have a good goalscoring record in la liga. i personally think he could even be one of the flops of the season considering that kind of transfer fee. he doesn't even want to join us to begin with.

we have too much depth on RB now

cassetti, rosi, nego, crescenzi, burdisso (to some extent). but none of these players are really starting XI material imo. and last i heard, we're still in the hunt for fucile or zabaleta. i would love to have fucile, even if it means selling cassetti and loaning out nego

[talk2smc]

Bojan is a fine player, and he has stated his desire to play consistently and that he was looking away from Barca, and we were the hardest push to sign him. anywhere along the front 3 is fine, and very technical. he will need to improve his finishing with tougher defenses tho...

so im ok wit that. its just as i said, unless we only plan to have him for the 2 years, then let Barca take him back, so be it. we'll make money. otherwise we'll pay 40 for him. crazy ridiculous.

we are a little thick in many places now, but i am sure players will be loaned, always happens late on when squads start to form, and also players to be sold.

Okaka and Menez sold surely, and soon probably. Menez's sale will almost pay for Bojan's buy, which is great news if you ask me.
also, Curci, Crescenzi, D'Alessandro, Antunes, Cicinho, and Bertolacci could all be loaned out/sold as well.



my guess is Burdisso wont be playing much RB anymore, which is a great thing, and Heinze will be back up CB/LB for whatever games Angel doesnt play in. (tho I think Angel will start, LE really pushed for him)

[talk2smc]

and, also lemme try not to complain too much, as its been a LOOONG time since we splashed...what now about 30 mil during a window?

Lamela, about 18, Bojan, 12, a keeper yet to be signed, and Angel and Nego.

[bigb0i13]

possibly. Sabatini had said recently it was a technical choice from LE that he wanted Kameni. Kameni was to come for 4.5, Stek for 6, not a huge difference, and I think they will sell at 6 or less even bc otherwise they have to push a sale in Jan window, as after that he leaves on a free.

i rate them both about the same tho, kind of...like 7/10. I think we could get a better keeper, out of all the ones we've been linked with I thought Romero was our best bet.


i take that back- Viviano. :( thanks againnnn Bologna.



I'd say they're both definitely better than Viviano.

[talk2smc]

Sergio moving on to Lecce next week. he deserves first team football imo, and to be frank, i think he is the utmost professional.

he stayed with us as 3rd keeper, always stepped in when necessary, performed well, and never was a problem unlike so many other brazilians we've had in the team.

also means we are definitely in the market for a first choice keeper as only Lobont and Curci available after next week

[Nakata]

I pretty much take it as a 2 year loan deal just a bit more complicated.

[talk2smc]

I pretty much take it as a 2 year loan deal just a bit more complicated.

exactly, but then, what good is that really? 2 years, and then he pretty much has to go back to Barca, i truly see no way we would cough up 40 mil for him.

also, Heinze takes number 5. if anyone cant tell, im not a fan of Heinze. never have, dirty player.

[Nakata]

exactly, but then, what good is that really? 2 years, and then he pretty much has to go back to Barca, i truly see no way we would cough up 40 mil for him.

I guess it sounds like we don't pay the 12m until July 1, 2013.

Anyone watching the friendly?

[bigb0i13]

exactly, but then, what good is that really? 2 years, and then he pretty much has to go back to Barca, i truly see no way we would cough up 40 mil for him.

also, Heinze takes number 5. if anyone cant tell, im not a fan of Heinze. never have, dirty player.



I used to like him. Used to be one of the classier Argentine defenders. That class completely disappeared as soon as he demanded United sell him to Liverpool and it carried over to the way he played. Still a damn good player tho. Madrid fans hated him but the truth is he played great for them.



That he's wearing #5 tho is awful. You guys should be going after Vertonghen....this guy is AMAZING.

[talk2smc]

Heinze? Class? not two things i put in the same bag...

getting updates on the friendly, Mirko and Marco having great starts to preseason, just a sign to HOLD ON TO MIRKO. Angel getting his first minutes today. and De Rossi pushed into a much more playmaking role than usual.

and Menez off to PSG tonight possible for 8 mil, we would lose 2 mil on the deal from 3 yrs ago. couldnt get along with Spalletti, Ranieri, or Montella. hmm. and never worked. anyone going to miss him? because I wont. certainly should be more grateful to Roma too for getting him into the senior French squad.


Angel taking no. 3 by the way, as mentioned before Heinze number 5, Lamela number 8 i believe.

[Sktrad]

About Bojan:

Barcelona often sell their players with a buy back option, they never seem to exercise that option though. Here's an interesting fact (http://www.marca.com/2011/07/05/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1309857720.html): the last player to be bought back was Luis Garcia, in 2003 … It also remains to be seen whether Bojan will want to leave Rome after the two years spell, in case Barcelona buy him back (it's a likely event, given his attachment).

About Menez:

Personally, I hate to see him leave. He often put up a good show, even when the match went badly for Roma. That's quite essential to many fans: football is entertainment. There's no denying the fact that he's been inconsistent and indecisive: his tactical awareness and finishing aren't as good as his dribbling skills. Besides, he's more of a counter attacker than a ball possession player … but I'd rather he stayed, especially if he is to be sold for 8M.

About Viviano:

This fellow's not lucky at all — today he injured himself: anterior cruciate ligaments severed, comes back in 2012. Get better, best of luck.

[talk2smc]

Menez, sold for 8? i would have taken 4. a player who never runs or works, who couldnt play well under 3 manager, 2 of whom are great managers? the problem isnt the club or management. its the player.

[Phenom]

Still a damn good player tho. Madrid fans hated him but the truth is he played great for them.
That he's wearing #5 tho is awful. You guys should be going after Vertonghen....this guy is AMAZING.

give your head a shake,he was utter shite at Madrid apart from the odd good game and i mean odd.

still living on that other planet i see:rolleyes:

[talk2smc]

yea Heinze is terrible and classless, end of story. ive loved all the other signings we've made so far, so i knew there would be one that was shit.


Bojan choosing the no. 14, last worn by Faty.

if we sign a solid keeper, and kept Vucinic, and extended De Rossi, I would seriously be the happiest Roma fan in years.

[talk2smc]

in response to above ^

Sabatini just stated a new keeper will come by Weds (presumably Stek) that Menez will be sold to PSG, that Mirko is likely to leave by his own choice not Roma's :(:(:( De Rossi is not for sale under any circumstance, and that we wont sign Pastore (as if we ever were in for him) and that Lamela may be for us what Pastore was for Palermo 2 years ago.

[TechGuyatNY]

in response to above ^

Sabatini just stated a new keeper will come by Weds (presumably Stek) that Menez will be sold to PSG, that Mirko is likely to leave by his own choice not Roma's :(:(:( De Rossi is not for sale under any circumstance, and that we wont sign Pastore (as if we ever were in for him) and that Lamela may be for us what Pastore was for Palermo 2 years ago.

THANK GOD, what a relief. i really don't want us to shell out the €40m for him

i'm going away on vacation for 2 weeks, probably won't have internet access. hopefully menez/vucinic will be sorted out by the time i get back, with only the latter staying. kinda affects our pre-season tactics and training if we drag this out any longer. hopefully we'll have a new GK/CB/RB/CM too when i get back as well

...is that really asking for a lot in a 2 weeks span?

"arrivederci"

[Nakata]

Looks like Sabatini & co want Lucas (Sao Paulo midfielder)

http://youtu.be/8DBKPHOy-Wc
http://youtu.be/8DBKPHOy-Wc

[talk2smc]

THANK GOD, what a relief. i really don't want us to shell out the €40m for him

i'm going away on vacation for 2 weeks, probably won't have internet access. hopefully menez/vucinic will be sorted out by the time i get back, with only the latter staying. kinda affects our pre-season tactics and training if we drag this out any longer. hopefully we'll have a new GK/CB/RB/CM too when i get back as well

...is that really asking for a lot in a 2 weeks span?

"arrivederci"

enjoy!


your wish on one point came true.

Menez sold to PSG officially today for 8 mil. good riddance to a talent he never really used, a bitcher and moaner when he didnt deserve to play, and someone who never worked for the team. bye.

Stek in for about 6 mil, 1.5 per season which i believe is a good signing. not top top class, but very decent reliable keeper.

Sabatini was done great so far imo. i dont think many more signings are coming our way.




that leaves:

Mexes free :(, Menez 8 mil, Doni 1 mil shit, Sergio cheap, OUT


Heinze undisclosed but cheap 1 yr deal, option 2, Angel undisclosed but not more than 5 i think a 4 yr deal, Bojan 2 yr loan basically, Lamela 18 mil 5 yr deal, and Stek 6 mil. IN

muuuuch better business than im used to seeing at Roma, now please, extend De Rossi, and KEEP MIRKO, and ill seriously be the happiest motherfucking Roma fan come late August.

[Sktrad]

At least one central defender (low profile) and a midfielder are still to be signed.

Should Vucinic leave (let's hope not) a new forward would be required.

Cicinho injured himself today, but that's hardly news.

[talk2smc]

At least one central defender (low profile) and a midfielder are still to be signed.

Should Vucinic leave (let's hope not) a new forward would be required.

Cicinho injured himself today, but that's hardly news.

Cicinho should not even be on our squad. another Baptista, and Doni. no good and high wages.

agreed that if Mirko is sold, we need someone to come in, but I think between Juan, Burdisso, Heinze, and if necessary Cassetti we can make do at CB. i think Burdisso Jr can play CB too, but we no longer have Loria I believe, i think his contract expired, or terminated it.

[Sktrad]

Loria's (expensive) contract expired, indeed — and Guillermo Burdisso's loan is over, he's not at Roma anymore.

Juan is having physical issues, Nicolas Burdisso is about to sustain a hip surgery … I am certain a new central defender will be brought in, unless they are willing to bet on Antei — I am equally certain the fourth defender will also play quite a few matches during the season …

I agree on Cicinho: he seems to lack dynamism and constancy. Apparently, it was Luis Enrique who insisted in keeping him in the squad. Cassetti and Rosi will play their share of matches. I'd personally love to see Crescenzi in the starting lineup a few times — I've watched him play a few matches in Primavera and one at Crotone: he looks like a good prospect.

Anyway, last year Milan won the championship with Abate and Antonini …

[talk2smc]

Mirko to be sold to Man U for 20 mil. :( ill be honest, and ppl may laugh but its likely to happen and ill be devastated.

could be agent talk to push his price up but damn, i wish we could just have Mirko stay for years. ive always loved the guy.

[Nakata]

Mirko says he wants to leave. There's not point of having him stay if he's not happy. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy. Seems like Man U, Juv, Inter, and Arsenal are all interested. Hopefully we can get as much as we can for him.

[talk2smc]

Mirko says he wants to leave. There's not point of having him stay if he's not happy. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy. Seems like Man U, Juv, Inter, and Arsenal are all interested. Hopefully we can get as much as we can for him.

hes been saying it for months. I was at two matches last season where him and Doni got non stop abuse, bc he missed about 8 pure sitters last year. so i think hes using the fans response to him as an excuse really bc he knows his market value is as high as its even been.
his agent knows it too.

but realy, Mirko got that kind of response often in Rome, and always came back ready to put in a 2 goal 2 assist game of that nature.

he wants out, but I dont want Roma to sell, i think hes worth more than 20 to be honest, a little bias, but still all agent talk now bc Sabatini and LE have said they know he wants to leave but they want him to stay.




lost to PSG 3-0 in a friendly, and 1-0 win v Wacker goal by Caprari. still getting used to LE methods, i never worry about friendly results anyway. get the boys fit and used to the style.



interest in Douglas Costa, was surprised to read that link actually..

[talk2smc]

the schedule is out,

we open away v Bologna, then home v Cagliari (didnt this past year we see Cagliari in the second week? Burdisso getting sent off for disgusting tackle v Conti?) third week away to Inter.

A Bologna
Cagliari
A Inter
Siena
A Parma
Atalanta
A Lazio
Palermo
A Genoa

first 9 weeks

[Nakata]

I'm pretty happy with the schedule. Can't really complain. I like how we have 2 some what easier games the first two weeks. Then Inter. I say bring on Lazio week 7! Hopefully we can play them in Italian Cup and Euro also. I think we have 5 wins in a row again them.

Stekelenburg will be signed officially Friday.

Who are your dream signings for Roma guys? Just curious. I'd love to have G. Rossi!

[talk2smc]

one of my dream signings just signed for City :(

and to be honest, i always like it best when one of our boys goes youth ranks to NT. such an awesome achievement. :)


strongest rumors of Mirko to Juve :( and Sabatini stating he wont hold the player if he wants out. sigh. i dont understand if it was a row with the fans, let Mirko shank one of the awful misses he had last yr and see how the Juve "faithful" respond. hes just using it as an excuse to leave..why go to a team BELOW us, NOT in Europe, and with a new coach as well, with Quag, ADP, Toni, and Matri...oh right. the 4 mil salary.

PSG want Borriello too, id much rather keep Mirko :(

[Nakata]

I wouldn't mind Mata from Valencia, but I don't think it would happen.

I wouldn't mind selling Borriello depending on how much PSG offers. It looks like Vuc is good as gone. Sad day for some Roma fans. I just wish we could of sold him to a non-rival club. Man U & Tottenham were interested. :mad:


Erika Lamela had a goal today! Hey held/protected the ball really well and had some flash moments. Really nice dribbling.

http://youtu.be/cryRlG9kAzQ
http://youtu.be/cryRlG9kAzQ

[talk2smc]

Mirko to Juve on Monday. Sigh. I wish we would have parted under different circumstances mirko... Kinda leaving me a but bitter.

Also don't get strengthening a rival and further more I haaaaate seeing a great former player score against us.

I also feel we are a but short in attack now. Okaka not to feature, so it leaves Totti who isn't going to play every game, Borriello and Bojan.

I'm sure Marco is loving it :rolleyes:


Mirko and Mexes. Pretty awful feeling if u ask me:(

[JohnnyRed]

Hi guys,

Not too sure if I should post it here but I was wondering if it is easy to get tickets to Roma matches on the day?

I will be in Rome on the 11th Sept and I would love to go to a game but am unsure how I should go about obtaining a ticket.

Has anyone been? How is the atmosphere?

[talk2smc]

Hi guys,

Not too sure if I should post it here but I was wondering if it is easy to get tickets to Roma matches on the day?

I will be in Rome on the 11th Sept and I would love to go to a game but am unsure how I should go about obtaining a ticket.

Has anyone been? How is the atmosphere?

great, and yes very easy. Roma play Cagliari that weekend. whenever you get to Rome, go to Piazza Colonna, very central, very easy to find, right off of Via del Corso. in the Piazza in an official Roma store, cant miss it, and go to the second floor thats where the ticket office is.

youll just need your documents and then you can purchase.

the stadium might be a bit more filled than usual, as we have new management, players, coach this year, and that actually is the home opener. but you will def not have a problem, its 80k stadium, and we will about 35ish-40 of it each game.

[soheil86]

Mirko to Juve on Monday. Sigh. I wish we would have parted under different circumstances mirko... Kinda leaving me a but bitter.

Also don't get strengthening a rival and further more I haaaaate seeing a great former player score against us.

I also feel we are a but short in attack now. Okaka not to feature, so it leaves Totti who isn't going to play every game, Borriello and Bojan.

I'm sure Marco is loving it :rolleyes:


Mirko and Mexes. Pretty awful feeling if u ask me:(

dont worry about vucinic, he will become mancini 2.0. if he wanted to win he would have stayed, but he has had a few good years and has made his money, now all he wants is somewhere that he can relax, get his paycheck, not workhard, score a shitty goal every month and then his teams fans praise him like god. juve is perfect for him.

Who are your dream signings for Roma guys? Just curious. I'd love to have G. Rossi!

dream signings? lionel messi and gerard pique:D
realistically, id love to have fiorentina duo vargas and jovetic.

what worries me most is that despite all the new signings, the team hasnt been strengthened in any parts of the pitch. grandpa cassetti is still first choice rightback, lost mexes and no replacement bought yet at DC, sold best player of our back 4 last year for 2 million at LB. midfield is the same, wings are still very weak, only bojan,taddei, and maybe lamela. wake up sabatini!!!

[JohnnyRed]

youll just need your documents and then you can purchase.


what documents do I need? and how much will it cost for a ticket? I am interested in tickets where the AS Roma fans will sit. Thanks for you help talk2smc.

I can't wait for the game. Would you happen to know what time the game starts? The Roma website was very confusing.

[talk2smc]

what documents do I need? and how much will it cost for a ticket? I am interested in tickets where the AS Roma fans will sit. Thanks for you help talk2smc.

I can't wait for the game. Would you happen to know what time the game starts? The Roma website was very confusing.

you just need photo ID. passport/license whatever. game time is listed as 3pm as of now, but that could change closer to the date. Italian Serie A has only listed times of the league for the first week so far, so it could change.

game times are either 1230, 300, or 830 if im converting that correctly.

ask for the Distini Sud, youll be in the corner of the curva, you wont get directly behind the goal in the Curva Sud as its where the Ultras are. in April last I was in Rome, tickets were 25 Euro.

[JohnnyRed]

you just need photo ID. passport/license whatever. game time is listed as 3pm as of now, but that could change closer to the date. Italian Serie A has only listed times of the league for the first week so far, so it could change.

game times are either 1230, 300, or 830 if im converting that correctly.

ask for the Distini Sud, youll be in the corner of the curva, you wont get directly behind the goal in the Curva Sud as its where the Ultras are. in April last I was in Rome, tickets were 25 Euro.

excellent. sounds too easy :). are tickets at the roma store sold on the day of the match? I fly into Rome at 11:15am which means I only have 3-4hrs to go to my hotel, go to the store, buy the ticket, then head to the game.

[talk2smc]

excellent. sounds too easy :). are tickets at the roma store sold on the day of the match? I fly into Rome at 11:15am which means I only have 3-4hrs to go to my hotel, go to the store, buy the ticket, then head to the game.

plenty of time. wherever youre staying take the metro to any of the stops along del Corso (Vittorio Emmanuele or Piazza del Popolo are the top and bottom of Corso) and walk to the piazza.

or just taxi it.

the stadium is a bit outside of the city proper. so be prepared for that unless you are going to taxi it there too.

[Sktrad]

A trivial consideration:
Juventus bought Lichtsteiner for 10M and Vucinic for 15M. I wonder who was the best purchase … (sarcasm).

Best of luck, Mirko.

[talk2smc]

just gutted still.

absolutely necessary to sign another FW now, Bojan, Marco, and Totti cannot not should 60 or so matches. and no Menez to play up front. need someone who can chip in 10 goals around Mirko's target. highly doubt we will sign a FW like that tho.

[fcb_sandy05]

Perhaps this will make you feel better

v/jwSGm5SsA48

[talk2smc]

nope. i was there for the Inter Coppa match, and v Chievo. terrible misses.

wont change the fact that I loved the guy from the minute he was in Rome, and wish he wouldnt have used those misses and fan reaction as an excuse to push out of Rome.

[Sktrad]

… actually, Mirko's back pass in the "SuperCoppa" match against Inter isn't among the highlights in the clip — Talk2smc might remember:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRTFcjCpDRM @ 00.22

Regardless, Vucinic was one of the players who scored out of nowhere, without requiring a chance … sometimes it just happened. There's no arguing that last year he played like crap. Roma didn't necessarily need the money, his contract wasn't about to expire: he should have been sold for more than 15M. I understand there's a chronic lack of full backs at this time, in Europe … but a mere difference of 5M between Lichtsteiner and Vucinic is incredible given the blatant technical difference between the two. Krasic and Martinez were purchased by Juve for about the same amount — Marotta is getting smarter, or maybe not …

[talk2smc]

Regardless, Vucinic was one of the players who scored out of nowhere, without requiring a chance … sometimes it just happened. There's no arguing that last year he played like crap. Roma didn't necessarily need the money, his contract wasn't about to expire: he should have been sold for more than 15M. I understand there's a chronic lack of full backs at this time, in Europe … but a mere difference of 5M between Lichtsteiner and Vucinic is incredible given the blatant technical difference between the two. Krasic and Martinez were purchased by Juve for about the same amount — Marotta is getting smarter, or maybe not …

THIS.

cant blame Marotta for being so shrewd. I blame the Roma management for fucking Phillippe and Mirko up terribly.

[talk2smc]

Sabatini saying we will sign another 3-4 players before August...different times at Roma, surely...


not too pleased with the Nilmar link, espeically at his asking price. if we're going o shell out nearly 20 mil, save 8 more and get Rossi, jeez.. cmon Roma! Nilmar is not top class and I dont want to overpay.

official with Stek today, he will wear 25, and i was shocked to learn- first Dutch player ever for us!

[bigb0i13]

That sounds like a lot of money for Nilmar. While I don't believe he's necessarily world-class, I think he could be. But I agree that's a lot of money for someone who may or may not be there right now and who is about to be 27 (tho he looks 19).



But I do think he would work well in the 4-3-3, if used correctly. Totti playing a false 9 type role, but with the wide players playing more like actual strikers from deeper, coming off the wing, like what David Villa has always been so great doing. It's actually ideal for both Bojan and Nilmar, who are kinda hybrid players anyway...tho that might be a little too top heavy.

[talk2smc]

its a ridiculous price.

and so far LE has been pushing Perrotta up into the center of the midfield 3, and Borriello as proper CF with Totti out right, but really Totti moves where he wants to move.

no thanks to Nilmar please!

[TechGuyatNY]

back from vacation, only had limited internet access

gutted with mirko leaving, but i'll get over him

[Nakata]

I found a great article on LE. (http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/story/luis-enrique-roma-coach-former-barcelona-b-break-from-past-080811)

Yeah I'm definitely a bit sad about Vuc leaving. It will be weird seeing him in a Juventus shirt. I hope he turns out like Mancini did for Inter. I don't see us getting Nilmar he's way too much. I'd rather pay more and get G. Rossi or Higuain. What do you think of Hernández from Palmero?

We are playing Valencia on the 12th I believe. Should be an interesting match.

[talk2smc]

negotiating with Zamparini is useless, and he already has said Abel isnt for sale.

and yes, if we are going 20 for Nilmar, put 28 on the table and get Rossi or someone of that caliber.

and i loved Mexes and Mirko. but yes, I hope they pull a Mancini and not a Chivu.

[talk2smc]

Lamela having a great WC so far in Colombia, 2 goals, a PK tonight, corners look great service, comfortable on the ball which we knew...im excited about him

make that 2 PKs tonight, well taken both

[Nakata]

Lamela having a great WC so far in Colombia, 2 goals, a PK tonight, corners look great service, comfortable on the ball which we knew...im excited about him

make that 2 PKs tonight, well taken both

I'm glad we snapped him up before the WC. He would have been more expensive.

[soheil86]

I found a great article on LE. (http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/story/luis-enrique-roma-coach-former-barcelona-b-break-from-past-080811)

Yeah I'm definitely a bit sad about Vuc leaving. It will be weird seeing him in a Juventus shirt. I hope he turns out like Mancini did for Inter. I don't see us getting Nilmar he's way too much. I'd rather pay more and get G. Rossi or Higuain. What do you think of Hernández from Palmero?

We are playing Valencia on the 12th I believe. Should be an interesting match.

hernandez is a copy/paste of borriello, cant use his right foot even if you put a gun to his head, and borriello is way better than him anyways. with the right service, i think borriello can score 20-25 goals a season. last season, he pretty much had to make all his goals for himself with all the long balls being sent to him. i think he could be very good on the left wing with totti coming deep and him going to central position in the box to blast the ball into the net.

[talk2smc]

i could be wrong, but from what ive seen in preseason, Totti has been used towardsss the right, not really RW, but Marco has been playing central.

fully expecting Totti to have license to move wherever he wants, but Marco will get more balls to feet or service to quickly turn or run onto.

Bojan puts in great service, and everything ive seen from Lamela so far as well. also- Angel is a crossing motherfucker as well

[Arg10]

Lamela is not 100% and might miss the upcoming match at the U20 World Cup.

I'll be paying extra attention to Roma this season (for obvious reasons). With that said, I wish Roma all the best this season. I was a casual viewer for a few seasons (to watch Batigol) and it looks like I'll be a casual viewer again. :D

[talk2smc]

Lamela is not 100% and might miss the upcoming match at the U20 World Cup.

I'll be paying extra attention to Roma this season (for obvious reasons). With that said, I wish Roma all the best this season. I was a casual viewer for a few seasons (to watch Batigol) and it looks like I'll be a casual viewer again. :D

cheers brother :) looks like for the first time in a while we may have a bit more of an argentina flair rather than brazilian.

cicinho, simplicio, and juan the only brazilian really a starter

and now heinze:rolleyes:, Lamela, and Burdisso

but Lamela certainly looks a player

[s0ftcore]

Heinze is a decent capture I think, always solid. Why the eye roll brother?

[talk2smc]

Heinze is a decent capture I think, always solid. Why the eye roll brother?

terrible player suspect in defense, hot tempered, old, not mobile, and always been a dirty player if you ask me.

dont think he fit at all with LE's plan's, just that he was available for super shit cheap.

[TechGuyatNY]

i dont mind having heinze

he'll be a reliable rotation player, nothing more, nothing less

[s0ftcore]

terrible player suspect in defense, hot tempered, old, not mobile, and always been a dirty player if you ask me.

dont think he fit at all with LE's plan's, just that he was available for super shit cheap.

Nah I'd say you're wrong, he has his dodgy moments but for the most part he's solid. Not the fastest perhaps, but that's not crucial.. hot tempered and dirty though, sounds like most defenders in Serie A so he should fit in :p

[Arg10]

cheers brother :) looks like for the first time in a while we may have a bit more of an argentina flair rather than brazilian.

cicinho, simplicio, and juan the only brazilian really a starter

and now heinze:rolleyes:, Lamela, and Burdisso

but Lamela certainly looks a player

Honestly, I would probably pick Heinze over Burdisso.

Burdisso has just been bad and while Heinze might not be the best, his 2 seasons or so with Marseille, he wasn't terrible either. Burdisso is getting worse by the season (I find, anyways. Though you obviously watch a lot more Roma matches then I do to know more).

What you'll get with Heinze is a leader and someone who takes no crap from anyone. He'll fight until the end. If need be, he can play as LB (he's been playing in that position since around 2006-2007 for us) and obviously as a CB. As a squad/rotation player, especially considering you guys got him for free, that's not bad at all.

As for Lamela, yeah, the spotlight will likely be on him (and Bojan as well) to produce the goods.

[TechGuyatNY]

0-3 sigh

...only a friendly

...only a friendly

...

[TechGuyatNY]

besides, our 1st choice keeper, 1st choice defender, 1st choice midfielder, and star signing weren't even playing

whereas valencia were playing at home and only missing banega

[talk2smc]

pretty poor showing.

i know it will take time and Valencia are strong, but really need to start showing team effort from defense to attack.

seems like the same old defensive liability Roma.

[TechGuyatNY]

pretty poor showing.

i know it will take time and Valencia are strong, but really need to start showing team effort from defense to attack.

seems like the same old defensive liability Roma.

hopefully this will prompt sabatini to start focusing on where we need to improve, DEFENSE

we need a new centerback

[Phenom]

Nah I'd say you're wrong, he has his dodgy moments but for the most part he's solid. Not the fastest perhaps, but that's not crucial.. hot tempered and dirty though, sounds like most defenders in Serie A so he should fit in :p

Lol you must be blind or deluded

[Nakata]

http://youtu.be/J1aDPuldnvs
http://youtu.be/J1aDPuldnvs

It's kinda old but it's nice to see the ins and outs of Trigoria.

[Sktrad]

(Thanks for linking the video, it was quite interesting)

[talk2smc]

Europa League qualifier on now v Bratislava. verrry young lineup put out by LE.
our first real competitive looks at Stekelenberg, Angel, and Bojan. Viviani, Okaka, and Caprari in there as well.

[Mistaken_Identity]

Anyone watching the match now? How has it been so far? 0-0 at Half time

[talk2smc]

fucking ridiculous.

we arent in preseason anymore. our defense looks suspect every second. one corner, 2 runners coming in and they score, pretty awful.

didnt even really test their keeper offensively from Bojan, Okaka, Caprari, Totti and Borriello late on.

maybe a positive sign is Angel who i thought defended well and corners look great and crosses a ton of balls in.

i mean call me crazy that i thought even without many starters we could get an away win v Bratislava.

[phat]

fucking ridiculous.

we arent in preseason anymore. our defense looks suspect every second. one corner, 2 runners coming in and they score, pretty awful.

didnt even really test their keeper offensively from Bojan, Okaka, Caprari, Totti and Borriello late on.

maybe a positive sign is Angel who i thought defended well and corners look great and crosses a ton of balls in.

i mean call me crazy that i thought even without many starters we could get an away win v Bratislava.

Fucking embarrassment. FIGC is partly to blame I must admit. We can kiss the coefficient goodbye!!!

[Sktrad]

I think the Italian Football Federation is blameless in this case: Italian teams begin "Serie A" later than their European counterparts, which can be an advantage whenever an Italian team reaches the final phases of the Champions League or Europa League.

This year Palermo was outed by … I don't even remember which Swiss team … Palermo would have likely made it in about two weeks (no offense for the Swiss team), but embarked on the usual preparation routine: early intense physical preparation, which leaves players depleted at this stage.

The same goes with Roma, more or less. I doubt it's going to be an easy match on the 25th.

[bigb0i13]

I'm sure I've asked this before, but I don't see why Roma wouldn't be interested in bringing back Aquilani. Don't get me wrong, I will admit that he's always had the grass is greener on the other side look, but most Roma guys seem to always really love the club and things are looking very good now (tho we'll see about this season). You made 20million off him and you can obviously get him back for much less now. Seems a good deal to me.

[jorquera]

Can't be bothered to make a thread in the video section so I'll post these links here.

Pre-Season – Valencia v Roma – 12/08/2011
First Half - Megaupload (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PTAUCMGO) NOTE! Missing five minutes from the end of the first half.
Second Half - Megaupload (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RVCI4RSX)
(Size: 350 mb a half ; Format: XviD ; Commentary: English ; Broadcast: Al-Jazeera Sport)

Europa League – Slovan Bratislava v Roma – 18/08/2011
Torrent (http://download1.files.mail.ru/BBNN98/836e369636f28f4e2d3f547ce95d867b/%5Brgfootball.net%5D.t19080.torrent)
(Size: 1,4 gb ; Format: XviD ; Commentary: Slovakian ; Broadcast: Jednotka)

[jorquera]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mDgkOm6wljs/TCEzekA8vEI/AAAAAAAAAcs/8GB5aKq_CCA/s1600/no+totti+no+party.jpg

[TechGuyatNY]

fuck you LE

[Whoah10115]

Quick points...


Luis Enrique needs to get it together.


Totti is a dick, regardless of great a hero he is. He should start because he's good enough to, IF he's fit. I get the Totti thing; at least as much as a non-Roma fan could. But the "NO TOTTI NO PARTY" thing is more than just one guy holding a sign and him and his big head are responsible. He's been insanely unfit since his Golden Boot season and I remember that even back then Roma fans were predicting he wouldn't keep up the quality or quantity of games...that's on him.


You got Kjaer...thankfully Juan has someone to play alongside now...you can also do 3 in the back but we all know that ain't really happening.


I think you should have gone after Aquilani but that's done with now. You should still be looking into Gaston Ramirez or maybe Rosina. I always liked him and Ramirez is great.


Oh, and you were all interested in Nilmar...for too much money. But now you got Osvaldo and while he's definitely a lot cheaper he isn't as good. But he may be better suited...though I think you could have played Totti thru the middle and let Nilmar and Bojan or whoever else play from the wings. We'll see if Lamela starts and if so, if he does in the midfield or one of the wide 3...lets see what happens with Totti.


That's it.

[soheil86]

Quick points...


Luis Enrique needs to get it together.


Totti is a dick, regardless of great a hero he is. He should start because he's good enough to, IF he's fit. I get the Totti thing; at least as much as a non-Roma fan could. But the "NO TOTTI NO PARTY" thing is more than just one guy holding a sign and him and his big head are responsible. He's been insanely unfit since his Golden Boot season and I remember that even back then Roma fans were predicting he wouldn't keep up the quality or quantity of games...that's on him.


You got Kjaer...thankfully Juan has someone to play alongside now...you can also do 3 in the back but we all know that ain't really happening.


I think you should have gone after Aquilani but that's done with now. You should still be looking into Gaston Ramirez or maybe Rosina. I always liked him and Ramirez is great.


Oh, and you were all interested in Nilmar...for too much money. But now you got Osvaldo and while he's definitely a lot cheaper he isn't as good. But he may be better suited...though I think you could have played Totti thru the middle and let Nilmar and Bojan or whoever else play from the wings. We'll see if Lamela starts and if so, if he does in the midfield or one of the wide 3...lets see what happens with Totti.


That's it.

fit or unfit, totti has always been one of the best players on the pitch. he was having a very good game yesterday and everything went downhill when he and caprari were subbed out as the team had 0 creativity after that. LE is completely to blame, his subs where very poor to say the least. he needs to get his head out of his ass.

on transfers, pleased with kjaer. unsure about osvaldo, was an average player at most in italy, scored like 1 goal in 30 matches for bologna.

[jorquera]

Quick points...


Luis Enrique needs to get it together.


Totti is a dick, regardless of great a hero he is. He should start because he's good enough to, IF he's fit. I get the Totti thing; at least as much as a non-Roma fan could. But the "NO TOTTI NO PARTY" thing is more than just one guy holding a sign and him and his big head are responsible. He's been insanely unfit since his Golden Boot season and I remember that even back then Roma fans were predicting he wouldn't keep up the quality or quantity of games...that's on him.


You got Kjaer...thankfully Juan has someone to play alongside now...you can also do 3 in the back but we all know that ain't really happening.


I think you should have gone after Aquilani but that's done with now. You should still be looking into Gaston Ramirez or maybe Rosina. I always liked him and Ramirez is great.


Oh, and you were all interested in Nilmar...for too much money. But now you got Osvaldo and while he's definitely a lot cheaper he isn't as good. But he may be better suited...though I think you could have played Totti thru the middle and let Nilmar and Bojan or whoever else play from the wings. We'll see if Lamela starts and if so, if he does in the midfield or one of the wide 3...lets see what happens with Totti.


That's it.

Totti used to be unfit and it was heavily discussed on Roma forums but now (from last season's middle I guess) he's very fit. He said himself not too long ago that he is more fit than he has ever been and you can see that from his play. He's running back and closing down defenders. He even tackled yesterday :eek:. Even though he is 34 years old he is physically in a good shape. His play doesn't depend on his speed or strength anyway so he can still play very good football despite his high age.

Yesterday he was our best players and every attack went through him. He was our only creative player on the pitch. He didn't look tired too. Once he was substituted we lost control of the games. There is no reasonable explanation whatsoever why he was taken off.

From what I've read from the news the plan is to sign both Osvaldo and Nilmar. Osvaldo to replace Totti as the central striker and Nilmar on the right wing and Bojan on the left wing. Dunno if that's gonna happen but that's the story on the Internet.

[jorquera]

This sums up exactly my thoughts and probably a lot of other people's thoughts as well. Written by Chris at the Roma Offside blog. Original post. (http://roma.theoffside.com/team-news/should-be-a-little-early-for-thumbs-no.html)

Should Be A Little Early For Thumbs, No?

http://roma.theoffside.com/files/2011/08/610x2.jpg

Pollice Verso

It’s pointless to declare the sky is falling without fail, because it isn’t – not yet, anyway – but we’re eight seconds into the new season and it’s plainly evident there are serious problems with this team club on a number of levels. However, one seems to overshadow and encapsulate all.

Let’s look at this from an internal viewpoint, as the Totti/Borriello situations and decisions very much do shine a light onto the shambles that could are Roma right now.

The Borriello thing was an ode to stupidity, to put it bluntly, and doesn’t shine well on LE’s decision making. He cost the club millions by playing a disgruntled player out of position for ten minutes with little to show for it. Fin.

Now, Totti…

Totti is an icon, a symbol, a talisman and a demi-god. Totti is Roma. Totti is all of those things and more. Totti is Totti.

But it’s not because he was born as those things. There is no noble blood which grandfathered him into his status as a Roman legend. No amount of nepotism could erect the statue of devotion Totti has built for himself over a long and storied career.

He is all of those things because he is the best player to have ever worn the colors. He is the single most impacting player in the long history of this football club. And he is still, today, the best player to put on the shirt, week in, week out. He has earned the right to be on the pitch in crunch time because he’s simply the best option. Individually, on the whole or from any angle one might choose.

The problem isn’t that Luis Enrique needs time or our patience or the fans’ understanding. No. It has nothing to do with us.

He has no cache. He coached a reserve team in the Spanish Segunda. Doing wonderfully, yes, but not in the top flight, not in Europe and with loads and loads of readymade talent which was arguably better than you’ll find on most other second division rosters. They were kids. Kids are not adults. Kids are not World Cup winners. And kids are more apt to listen to an authority figure on command than a bunch of highly paid veterans.

What do you hear among everyone who steps off a plane in Rome? “It’s an honor to play with Totti.” Scooby Doo said the very same just yesterday. He’s an icon, but he’s not an icon for the simple sake of being an icon. He’s an icon because he earned that status through his footballing. Every year. Every single year, including last.

Now, this isn’t to defend Totti or make a case for him and one against Luis. That’s not the purpose here. The purpose is to point out those to whom this matters the most.

The problem isn’t that Totti gives them the best chance to win. The problem is he gives them the best chance to win and everyone in that locker room knows it.

It doesn’t matter who or what Totti is. His name is irrelevant. It matters that Luis Enrique has seen fit to remove the player who gives them the best chance to win at crucial times, and the rest of the players on the team know that. This after benching him in the first leg, which likely proved costly.

Whether or not he needs patience from us, management or the press is irrelevant. Players won’t have that patience, nor should they. It would be one thing if Luis was hauling a trolley car worth of trophies behind him, but he isn’t – he has nothing, as far as most are concerned. That doesn’t mean he’s automatically chalked off, but a bad start – and this is an abysmal start – means human reaction comes into play, and the reactions, based on evidence throughout preseason and the Europa League cessation, will be very human. He may have earned their respect on a training pitch, from shepherding the world’s most gifted youth team to impressive heights, but where it counts? Not yet. Not even close.

He’s going to lose the locker room, if he already hasn’t. What he’s done is drawn a line in the sand, and unfortunately, his sand is on the sidelines. This is not about picking sides – it’s about picking the best opportunity to win. That doesn’t mean that Francesco Totti being on the pitch will always serve as the best option, but it did yesterday, and it did last week. Even Slovan’s coach knew it. This isn’t some extraordinarily abstract concept.

He already seems entirely out of his depth, and this is supremely dangerous for a club which is building its future around his ideologies.

Below, Daniele’s expression speaks volumes.

At this rate, and this is the whole point, the whole concern, LE will lose the locker room. After that, no matter how patient the suits may be, it will be his job. What we think matterns not – what matters are the ruminations behind the Trigoria doors, and I can’t imagine for one second, regardless of what is said in the press, it’s particularly positive at this moment.

They sold off their best players – let’s not ignore the curious wage cutting taking place and absolve the tippity top – and brought in a radical concept with implementation difficulties to be dumped out of the Europa League by Slovan Bratislava.

If you were Simone Perrotta, what would you think?

That doesn’t mean Luis Enrique is the wrong choice or it won’t work in the end – he may very well be the perfect man to lead Roma (doubts are lingering, but it is possible) – but the amount of initial damage can be irrevocable and if that happens, we’ll never get the chance to find out.

Operation damage control has begun and the season hasn’t.

Roma.

v/isPUypFvg6s
* – Totti is so infrequently subbed, I forget, but I’m fairly sure he heads to the dressing room every single time to ice up immediately – a preservation thing. Surely this is sourced somewhere.

[Whoah10115]

Totti used to be unfit and it was heavily discussed on Roma forums but now (from last season's middle I guess) he's very fit. He said himself not too long ago that he is more fit than he has ever been and you can see that from his play. He's running back and closing down defenders. He even tackled yesterday :eek:. Even though he is 34 years old he is physically in a good shape. His play doesn't depend on his speed or strength anyway so he can still play very good football despite his high age.

Yesterday he was our best players and every attack went through him. He was our only creative player on the pitch. He didn't look tired too. Once he was substituted we lost control of the games. There is no reasonable explanation whatsoever why he was taken off.

From what I've read from the news the plan is to sign both Osvaldo and Nilmar. Osvaldo to replace Totti as the central striker and Nilmar on the right wing and Bojan on the left wing. Dunno if that's gonna happen but that's the story on the Internet.



I agree on his fitness, if it is where it was last season. I could tell in the first game against Cesena he was in the best shape he'd been in for years, at least.


fit or unfit, totti has always been one of the best players on the pitch. he was having a very good game yesterday and everything went downhill when he and caprari were subbed out as the team had 0 creativity after that. LE is completely to blame, his subs where very poor to say the least. he needs to get his head out of his ass.

on transfers, pleased with kjaer. unsure about osvaldo, was an average player at most in italy, scored like 1 goal in 30 matches for bologna.



Agreed that Luis Enrique doesn't have it yet. He has to get it together.

[TechGuyatNY]

LE is a egotistical twat

[phat]

Looks like Roma is finally being linked to some defensive midfielders.

[Sktrad]

Looks like Roma is finally being linked to some defensive midfielders.

Gago, Fernando (Porto), Guarin … but I doubt either will come. Gago's wages are quite high compared to his market value although he can play higher up on the pitch, Fernando's position on the other hand is the same as De Rossi's (new) favourite, whereas Guarin simply costs too much.

De Rossi will play as a defensive midfielder, his substitute will likely be Viviani. Two new box to box midfielders seem to be needed, rather than defensive midfielders, unless De Rossi takes on that role. Alternatives at this time are: Pizarro, Brighi, Simplicio, Greco and Perrotta. Taddei has been relinquished to being a fullback, Lamela is probably too offensive and uninitiated tactically to play in a 4-3-3 midfield.

[Whoah10115]

Don't see why they need any, unless Pizarro isn't gonna be playing. That seems quite a waste.



Or if De Rossi went to Manchester City...but I can't see him doing that.

[Sktrad]

Roma's midfielders aren't particularly dynamic (Perrotta aside) and not one of them is young. Pizarro is a technically gifted player, but a) he has physical issues (knee) and b) he can't play as a box to box midfielder as effectively as others. He's a great "regista", but his ball possession skills don't match Luis Enrique's new tactics. Pizarro holds on to the ball, twists and turns, then makes a vertical pass when the opportunity arises. He was, is, the perfect Spalletti player. From what I've seen so far Luis Enrique demands more movement and more horizontal passing, with as few touches on the ball as possible to speed up manoeuvres and minimise the risk of counterattacks. I don't know whether it'll work, whether it's a good attitude to hold against Italian teams … but that's what Luis Enrique and his staff communicated to players.

[TechGuyatNY]

luis enrique is too stubborn with his ways. he's trying to build players around his vision, instead of building a team around the players

[Whoah10115]

Both posts are accurate but the telling one is the second one.


Bring Barcelona to Rome should mean passing philosophy and hard work. It should mean pressing, if you'd like. It should not mean 4-3-3, with players playing the way Barcelona play.


But that's on Roma's board. He has no experience and they wanted to say they can play like Barcelona. That's stupid. If Pep Guardiola ever comes to Rome, do you think he will instill a 4-3-3 just because? It's stupid.


Pizarro doesn't need to be a box-to-box player. But whatever, if he isn't going to use Pizarro in the starting line-up, then sell him. Waste of a world-class player. He could also use Pizarro in the Xavi role, where he'll be forced to pass horizontally, but it also depends on the midfield who plays next to him. Either way, it seems he won't be used, so sell him to Napoli, cuz they need him. I'd love to see that.


And Perotta will probably play, because he probably reminds Enrique a lot of himself.

[fcb_sandy05]

An ESPN Deportes guy is saying Pjanic to Roma (10mil) is done. Fantastic signing if true.

[Arg10]

Word going around that Fernando Gago is negotiating with Roma over a loan deal (possible option to buy for 6 million).

Honestly, he would be a great signing. He was fantastic for us at the Copa America, is still young and just an overall good player if you ask me.

Not sure if you guys need a DM, but if you do, I hope you guys get him. You won't be disappointed.

[Sktrad]

I remember watching Pjanic when he played for Metz on two occasions. French commentators were raving about him: he would attack on the flank, curl the ball in, press, defend midfield, take free kicks and — the speakers joked — possibly even mop the lockers floor at the end of the match.

I have no idea how his play has evolved over these two years at OL … but he used to play as an advanced midfielder. His role would seem to overlap with that of Lamela — I seriously doubt both could play at the same time.

About "importing" Barcelona's play to Rome: it's a leitmotiv spread by journalists, because it has a wow factor among some fans (given Barca's latest achievements). When Luis Enrique first joined the club he repeatedly dismissed wanting to emulate Barcelona's tactics, although he'd generally rely on ball possession and an attacking mindset … we'll see.

[TechGuyatNY]

I remember watching Pjanic when he played for Metz on two occasions. French commentators were raving about him: he would attack on the flank, curl the ball in, press, defend midfield, take free kicks and — the speakers joked — possibly even mop the lockers floor at the end of the match.

I have no idea how his play has evolved over these two years at OL … but he used to play as an advanced midfielder. His role would seem to overlap with that of Lamela — I seriously doubt both could play at the same time.

pjanic's playing style is very similar to sneijder, not so much as that of lamela. lamela is more of a flair player, kind of like a winger except he plays in the middle. pjanic is a playmaker

right now, with 2 days, the players we seem remotely close to signing are kjaer, pjanic, and gago. seems promising to say the least

[bigb0i13]

An ESPN Deportes guy is saying Pjanic to Roma (10mil) is done. Fantastic signing if true.



Beyond fantastic. This guy is special.

[Whoah10115]

Word going around that Fernando Gago is negotiating with Roma over a loan deal (possible option to buy for 6 million).

Honestly, he would be a great signing. He was fantastic for us at the Copa America, is still young and just an overall good player if you ask me.

Not sure if you guys need a DM, but if you do, I hope you guys get him. You won't be disappointed.



I'm thinking he could actually go to AC Milan. They could need him soon, tho Roma could too. As long as he leaves Madrid.

I remember watching Pjanic when he played for Metz on two occasions. French commentators were raving about him: he would attack on the flank, curl the ball in, press, defend midfield, take free kicks and — the speakers joked — possibly even mop the lockers floor at the end of the match.

I have no idea how his play has evolved over these two years at OL … but he used to play as an advanced midfielder. His role would seem to overlap with that of Lamela — I seriously doubt both could play at the same time.

About "importing" Barcelona's play to Rome: it's a leitmotiv spread by journalists, because it has a wow factor among some fans (given Barca's latest achievements). When Luis Enrique first joined the club he repeatedly dismissed wanting to emulate Barcelona's tactics, although he'd generally rely on ball possession and an attacking mindset … we'll see.



I think my issue is more concern that he has a set formation (4-3-3) than anything else. Also, Pizarro is simply too great and that combination is world-class. I'm worried he's set in his ways.




As far as Pjanic goes...I love him. This is one of the best buys of the year. And what a price.