Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 7y

Roma president James Pallotta backs coach Eusebio Di Francesco

Roma president James Pallotta says he has every faith in coach Eusebio Di Francesco and has slammed the Italian media for misquoting him following the 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

The Boston native was reported to have said he was "not satisfied" with the draw at the Stadio Olimpico, adding that there were "a few things that could have been done better." 

However, in an interview with Radio Roma, he has accused the media of plotting against him and denied saying what was reported.

"I never said anything negative about the team or the coach," he said. "It's not the truth, but I'm used to it now.

"There is a tendency in the media in Rome and it seems they feel the need to invent something.

"At the end of the game, I went into the dressing room and there are plenty of witnesses.

"I hugged everybody and paid my compliments to [Kostas] Manolas and I gave a long hug to Alisson, reaffirming my compliments to the team, the coach and the management."

Roma face Hellas Verona on Saturday with ground to make up in Serie A having won and lost their first two games of the season.

Their trip to Sampdoria last weekend was postponed due to weather conditions, meaning they are already six points off the league summit.

^ Back to Top ^