THE WOLF'S DEN - Tana dei Lupi II

[maro]

Perhaps I really should give up posting if it's to be my lot always to be so cruelly misunderstood.

[Lupa]

Argh! I just spent 10 minutes composing a reply and hit a key unintentionally, and it was all lost, so now I'll just sulk.

[maro]

No, Lupissima. Recraft it. It will be a pearl of even rarer beauty that way.

[Lupa]

Well, it won't be a polished gem, but I'll keep a few of my thoughts intact.

I really wanted Luca Toni five years ago on Roma (when some on RA said he wasn't talented enough for Roma). He seemed to be exactly what we needed then. However, right now, we need someone more mobile up front, especially as Francesco is less mobile than he once was. Welcome, Marco. What Totti has, and I can't imagine why he would ever lose it, is amazing vision and imagination. He does, more than ever, need the right players around him. Yesterday provided a glimpse of that because those players not only ran into space, but were able to anticipate where Totti might pass. I said something like that the first time.

I've been involved in discussions off this board with people who dissed Perrotta on the NT, and I always stood up for him (okay, he misses some chances and drives us crazy for that, but who else would have even gotten there), but at the same time thought that he would lose his effectiveness when he lost his speed (inevitably) with age. I'm thinking now, though, that maybe he's intelligent enough a player that even if he's not as fast as he was, he can use his speed effectively. I think that ability to think about what Totti might do makes a big difference too.

I can't remember what else I said, although there was something in there about maro and gio needing to kiss and make up. Roma's karma is off kilter right now, and we were doing so well when you guys were in the heat of a bromance.

Oh, and I do recognize sarcasm, I just chose to ignore it.

[maro]

You're just trying to provoke Giacomo, Lupa. On the pace thing, it may be less of a loss for someone who does most of his running off the ball rather than on it, and who does it from deep rather than off the shoulder of the back four. You probably don't need to be quite so explosive in Perrotta's case - because it's not quite about making a difference in the first step-and-a-half. Perrotta's strengths aren't about explosiveness in quite that way, so he may bear up better for that reason too. Intelligence, timing, work-rate - as you say, these are also quite good substitutes for searing pace.

[Lupa]

Perrotta is one of those players that coaches will love, some will support and others will disrespect. I don't love him all the time (cue the groans when he misses), but I respect him always. ;-)

I think the whole discussion about Totti a few weeks ago shows the importance of some of those 'peripheral' players, because Totti wasn't really any more mobile yesterday, but he had players in positions for him to pass to, and he wasn't frustrated as a result. Happiness all round. ;-)

[Carlo Romano]

Fahad, your wit at times...the serious posting isn't here but on the Shoutbox? I know you were referring only to during the Genoa match. Honest I do...


Lupa, if you're going to spend a few minutes composing a post you can't take the risk of losing it by typing straight on to a reply box. I learned ages ago that the page will often expire before you finish and when you hit either preview or submit, you're on to nothing! Do what I do...draft it out on either a Wordpad or Notepad page. We all have them. Then do a copy/paste and everything is fine! It's well worth that extra minute and that's all it takes.

btw, I had missed Totti's perfectly good goal off Taddei's assist so I couldn't answer you on the Shoutbox when you mentioned it to me. You were right to be moaning at Damato! We need technology!

[Carlo Romano]

[maro]

I imagine there will be a pre-match interview because the club is contractually obliged to give one ahead of every CL game.

[maro]

Ranieri: "Totti è in una forma stratosferica"
Lunedì 18 Ottobre 2010 12:53

Ecco le parole del tecnico giallorosso in conferenza stampa alla vigilia della gara di Champions. Insieme a Ranieri ha parlato anche Nicolas Burdisso



Nella lista dei convocati non ci sono De Rossi, Vucinic e Menez. quale è il problema visto che gli ultimi due si sono allenati?

Ancora non sono pronti per essere convocati. Mi auguro che per la prossima partita possano essere a disposizione, anche per la panchina. È inutile portarli in ritiro se poi non possono giocare.

Cosa vuole vedere nella Roma di domani sera?
Lo stesso spirito e determinazione vista contro il genoa. E’ una partita difficile, sanno chiudersi bene e partire in contropiede e abbiamo già perso in casa loro l’anno scorso. Hanno perso all’ultimo col Bayern. Sappiamo quali sono i loro punti deboli e i loro punti forti.

Il 4-4-2 è lo schema base della Roma di quest'anno?
Non c’è mai stato uno schema base nella roma; la roma può cambiarlo più volte nella partita.

(CONTINUA)

I love the headline, lol. Contentious? Woteva.

[vtec]

[maro]

You guys are bullies.

[vtec]

your confrontational act is getting stale. am i the only one who thinks that?

[maro]

[Carlo Romano]

Tommaso, I hadn't realised we were obliged under CL rules to hold a conference, thanks for that. Which explains the welcome, albeit little amount of info today. Much of the media is saying Ranieri and Totti are sweethearts again, which covers il Signor Claudio's somewhat OTT praise of our gallant Capitan'! Nice to see the enthusiasm spread though, as with Nico Burdisso, and with our coach too who has demanded the same grit and determination tomorrow that "his lads" showed on Saturday! That's the good news...




Romanews has had to change its story from the early a.m. It was thought Vuci would play against Basilea, having recovered, but il mister has since decided he will not be risked. The same applies to De Rossi and Ménez. Word is we may well see Mexes and Castellini start tomorrow as there will be a ballot for the two places with Riise and Burdisso....here is the relevant up to date list:

PROSSIMA PARTITA: Roma-Basilea (terzo turno Girone E di Champions League, martedì 19 ottobre ore 20.45)

INDISPONIBILI: J.Sergio, Adriano, Vucinic, Menez, De Rossi

PROBABILE FORMAZIONE: (4-4-2) Lobont; Cassetti, Mexes, Juan, Castellini; Taddei, Pizarro, Brighi, Perrotta; Totti, Borriello.

BALLOTTAGGI: Mexes-Burdisso; Castellini-Riise.




LaVocegiallorossa is saying today what a few of us here already have, that January could be "Addio" for our twin Brazilian gamble which isn't as yet paying off. Big Fatso apparently no longer has the relationship with our coach he did have, now that "Marco Magnifico" is a big hit. On the other hand, Little Fatso at least has attracted interest from Parma, Genoa, and Napoli.

Simplicio showed a nice touch or two on Saturday which reminded me of the player he once was. If he could get that back, I'd have no objections at all to his staying. If... I'm not certain the rumours of Maresca would offer us a great alternative.


------------------------------------------


& 'Tec, lovers' tiffs! As long as they don't become more...

[Italiamia]

[romawi]

[maro]

I thought that was the sort of thing we were supposed to do? I thought thredzo might appreciate the commentary since he missed the game itself. You see, it's all an elaborate conspiracy to discredit me.

[Italiamia]

[Carlo Romano]

Trigoria yesterday. If only the mood could always be like this...





In view of the lack of info, I decided to translate fully rather than just roughly, the pre-match media conference yesterday involving Claudio Ranieri and Nico Burdisso. I think you guys will find certain responses interesting, and others aggravating in their evasiveness. On the whole, I found more points of contention than our Professore did in his excerpt, one being almost nonsensical. It's completely unsatisfactory that our training ground surface is described by il mister and Nico as being "good, as in improving!" That's not by any means enough for a professional football club let alone one seen as being the fourth of importance in Italy!


Questions put, first to RANIERI:

Q) There's no Ménez, De Rossi, and Vučinić in the list of those players called up...
A) "They are not ready to be called."

Q) Is there any further problem?
A) "No. I kept them off as a precaution because I want to have them available for our next match, if even just for the bench."

Q) What do you want to see, what are you asking of the team after the victory against Genoa?
A) "The same spirit we saw on Saturday night. With Basilea it will be difficult and we have to be properly tuned in. The Swiss will close us down and play on the counter attack. They have already beaten us in the past year and at the Olimpico have scored several goals. We must exploit their weaknesses."

Q) Is 4-4-2 now to be the standard framework of Roma this year?
A) "There is no >one< basic schematic of Roma. I'm Using the module based on the players at my disposal. "

Q) Can Taddei, after his return on Saturday, play 90 minutes every few days?
A) "I'll talk to him, but I think so. He is struggling a lot, but he is one of those players who pleases me. "

Q) How is Pizarro after the cramp of Saturday evening?
A) "I have several players who might suffer because of injuries who can do little training. If players are not ready I can not put them in the side. But within 15 days of "stop," Pizarro did not train and was cured. When they all will have recovered we will have a more competitive Roma."

Q) What is the difference in Roma from a year ago?
A) "It 's more or less the same situation. We are working and we are finding ourselves. "

Q) Which are the most feared players of Basilea?
A) "They are different, it is a good squad with a good coach.

Q) Is there any Basilea player you would have?
A) "If there is someone I will talk to my team manager."

Q) How are Adriano and Julio Sergio? Is there a possible date for their return?
A) "For Adriano no, he is training separately. Julio Sergio is now third choice goalkeeper and is about to return."

Q) Do you think it is right to seek compensation for players injured when playing for their country?
A) "I agree ... and we would be rich, because often after we give someone to their national team they return injured."

Q) Do you see Totti-Borriello as a front two?
A) "I see them well. They are the main pair. Are there any compatibility issues? Only you see them. You talk among yourselves."

Q) Brighi?
A) "He's an example for his teammates. These players make for the good of the group. When I can put on the best, it's good for me as coach. "

Q) Can Lobont can take Julio Sergio's place? Are there hierarchies?
A) "There are no fixed hierarchies. Julio Sergio is now third choice and Doni is training very well. "

Q) How are the training grounds at Trigoria now?
A) "Now good. The problem with cramping in Pizarro could also be partly due to new turf in the Olimpico. Before it was more sandy as with Trigoria, it is now firmer. The boys have to readjust. "

Q) What precisely is Ménez' injury? Is he just tired?
A) "It's fatigue and a small injury from which he is recovering. No need for the doctor."

Q) How is Totti, is he as he was against Genoa?
A) “Francesco on Saturday evening was stratospheric. He trains well, he is in a rich vein of form. He is not scoring goals and I am missing them but I am happy for his services."

--------------------------------------

Questions next put to Nico Burdisso:


Q) Nicolas, after having your eyebrow cut, how do you feel. Are you ready to play?
A) “Nessun problema...no problem, I will play!”

Q) How much growth we can still expect from you? (Roma as a team)
A) "We are still growing and improving. I think we are finding what we were and what we now have to be. "

Q) What has changed in defense this year given the many goals conceded?
"The mechanisms are the same. There were particular problems."

Q) How do you rate Roma's place in Europe?
A) "Among the top ten."

Q) How are the Trigoria surfaces now?
A) "They're improving."

Q) Why did you struggle so much in the summer to return to Roma?
A) "I had given my word to Roma as Roma had given to me. Inter was a closed chapter. Only this counted."




Original Italian text: http://www.tifosidellaroma.com/?p=3069





Tifosidellaroma is suggesting Stefano Okaka could be sent out on loan in January as he now wants to be played. Let's be frank, he now needs to be played and it's not a good situation looming. I have the feeling if he leaves us again, this time he won't come back when the loan is over. I think we could miss this boy more than we ever could Cerci by way of example.

Up yer stoopid asses, Pradè - Montali - Ranieri!