Roma's Zdenek Zeman outlines new season objectives

Zdenek Zeman outlines new season objectives

Jul 7, 2012 2:31:00 PM

The Roma coach insisted he is only interested in players who are prepared to give their all for the club, before praising Francesco Totti and taking a swipe at Juventus.

Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has spoken of the hard work that his team are undergoing in pre-season training ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The 65-year-old, who was appointed in June to replace Luis Enrique at Stadio Olimpico, says that the club are "laying the ground work" for the upcoming campaign, and that he is only interested in players that are prepared to give their all.

"We are still in retreat, working and preparing for the season," he said at a press conference.

"It is hard work. For me, preparation is important, it is normal to do hard work. We are laying the groundwork for the year of football.

"There's a lot of time and availability of transfers. To me they are all good, so I think those problems will not go away. [Hellas Verona midfielder Panagiotis] Tachtsidis? He is a player who has impressed me."

Zeman also gave his view on captain Francesco Totti, and praised the midfielder for his long-term service to the capital club, but hinted that he may be tempted to drop the veteran.

"Totti and I were together 13 years ago, and that is a long time. I've seen him grow, but Totti is always Totti to me. He may not be what he once was physically, but that is normal.

"For his position I have to see what we do as a team, not only with respect to him, I see what is best for the team.

"To me, this term was invented for players that cost so much; I am interested in players who give so much, they can do the difference. It is said that these cost more than others.

"Personally I want to compete, battle with the everyone, such as Inter, AC Milan or Juventus, but also Pescara. At the beginning you are all equal."

Finally, Zeman took a swipe at Juventus, hinting that much of their success has been down to luck, and has been undeserved.

"The Scudetti [of Juventus] are as many as were assigned to them. If I see things that were written and the books that I read, then I think 28 is too many!"

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