Juric on Europa League ‘changes’, Pellegrini, Dybala, Soulé and Roma future

Roma coach Ivan Juric admits he will make ‘changes’ to the Giallorossi starting XI against Athletic Club in the Europa League tomorrow, but Lorenzo Pellegrini won’t be available, while Matias Soulé could play as an ‘attacking midfielder.’

The Giallorossi are preparing for their 2024-25 Europa League debut. They’ll face La Liga side Athletic Club at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, with kick-off at 21:00 CET.

Juric beat Udinese 3-0 on his debut as Roma coach on Sunday and will partially rotate his squad for tomorrow’s fixture. Fans booed captain Lorenzo Pellegrini during the Udinese game last weekend, as many supporters feel he had a role in Daniele De Rossi’s sacking. The Italian midfielder has been ruled out of tomorrow’s match due to a minor injury.

“He won’t be available tomorrow. He was already in doubt for the previous match, but he wanted to play at all costs,” Juric said at a pre-match press conference as quoted by TMW.

Juric on Europa League ‘changes’, Pellegrini, Dybala, Soulé and Roma future

“He felt a bit of pain, and I hope he can recover in the next match. He is serene, and I see the whole group well. They have worked with a smile on their faces in a positive environment. I am happy with him and the others. That game boosted our confidence.

“Zalewski is not ready. Abdulhamid has good skill sets but needs more time; he is fast and must make a giant leap. He is working well, and I am convinced he will eventually get playing time.

“We haven’t yet decided who will start. We have one last training session, and then we’ll decide. We’ll surely make a few changes, but we haven’t yet decided on the starting XI.”

Juric will make his debut as a coach in European competitions tomorrow.

“We prepare it in the same way. Nothing changes,” he insisted.

“The concept is always the same, and right now, emotions are not dominating; I only think about the game. The team must continue doing well as they did the other day. Surely, we’ll get appropriate support [from fans].”

How about Paulo Dybala: is he ready to start, or will he go on the bench initially?

“He seems to have recovered well. There’s a great fitness staff at Trigoria. He seems to have recovered well, but we need to be cautious,” Juric warned.

“He’s a special player when he’s fully fit, so we’ll try to manage him in the best way.”

Juric has signed a contract until the end of the season, but does he feel he can stay longer at Roma?

“In all honesty, I only think about winning tomorrow. Game by game. Trying to do the right things,” he replied.

“My only thought is how to win tomorrow. Full focus on this. I don’t go beyond it.”

What’s the club’s main target? Winning the title or fight for the top four in Serie A?

“We haven’t talked about it with the club. Right now, I want the see the same performance as the other day,” said Juric.

“I want to know the team well and know what I can give to the players. Prepare for one game at a time and see what happens.”

Soulé was one of Roma’s biggest signings last summer, but he’s been struggling with playing time. What’s the ideal role for the Argentinean talent?

“I see him as an attacking midfielder, but of course, he can also move on the flanks,” argued Juric.

“It was a big leap for him, and this is what I feel. He is a serious guy who works hard and will surely get his chance.”