Prandelli opens Roma era Tuesday 1 June, 2004
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Coach Cesare Prandelli claims his new look Roma side will amaze fans and keep its best players.
“This is a very emotional day and I haven’t had time to let it all sink in yet,” said the former Parma tactician in his first press conference. “The new Roma wants to surprise its supporters and I am not scared by the pressure of a big city. We have plans for this club and are not improvising along the way.”
Prandelli’s arrival was something of a shock, as it came just 24 hours after Fabio Capello announced his move to Juventus.
Yet President Franco Sensi insists that he had already been in talks with the ex-Venezia boss long before that eventful day.
“This is a joyous occasion for me,” noted the patron. “We hired a great Coach and I did it for the fans who I now see smiling in the streets.”
It is also an important day for AS Roma, as Sensi sold off his shares in a local newspaper to help raise the necessary funds to pay off their debts.
Meanwhile, Prandelli was asked about how his arrival and the changes to the squad would convince Francesco Totti to stay on.
“I have spoken to Totti,” revealed the new boss. “He really likes the new Roma side that is taking shape and we all want to amaze the doubters. He is a world class player, and therefore easier to Coach than many others, precisely because he has matured in all areas of his character.”
This is the first major club for Prandelli, who took Parma to fifth place despite massive financial problems this season, but he isn’t worried about stepping into Capello’s shadow.
“Roma has seen tacticians who have made football history, so if I were to think about my predecessors I wouldn’t sleep at night. I must concentrate only on working and hopefully winning, but above all mixing results with entertaining play.”
Totti will be staying