Juric updates on Dybala, Pellegrini and ‘positive’ Roma feelings

Roma coach Ivan Juric confirms Paulo Dybala hasn’t suffered any injury, while Lorenzo Pellegrini is pushing to return to group training.

The Giallorossi host Venezia at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday after a 1-1 Europa League draw against Athletic Club on Thursday.

It will be Juric’s third game in charge of the Giallorossi.

Roma took the lead in their latest European fixture, but Athletic scored the equaliser with just five minutes remaining.

“You can’t dominate for the entire game against teams like this. Bilbao didn’t have a single chance, and Svilar didn’t make a save,” Juric said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday, as quoted by ForzaRoma.info.

“It means that everyone was extremely focused. We must improve and have more possession. There’s room for improvement. Stats say we ran a lot, but we want to put in more performances like those of the first half.”

Is playing every three days a good or bad thing for the footballers?

Juric updates on Dybala, Pellegrini and ‘positive’ Roma feelings

“I have positive feelings,” insisted Juric.

“Everyone is involved, and they have fun. I feel that they want to play as quickly as possible. Even after the game, I had positive feelings. This helps us face every game with great enthusiasm.”

Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini was booed against Udinese last week and missed the Athletic match with a minor injury.

“His attitude is extraordinary,” said his coach.

“He’s been working separately these days, but he wants to return to group training today. He has a great desire to play. He still feels a bit of pain, but he still wants to be there. His attitude is exemplary. He wants to show who he is and make a contribution.”

How about Mats Hummels? The German centre-back hasn’t yet made his Roma debut after completing a free transfer earlier this month.

“I think he still needs to get in the best shape because he didn’t do any pre-season preparation,” argued Juric.

“We want him to work hard to reach a high level. We are pushing and he’s working a lot, we hope he’ll be available as soon as possible.”

Dybala was subbed off during the break on Thursday, but exams on Friday ruled out any injury for the Argentinean.

“Celik and Dybala have nothing. Lesions and other problems have been ruled out,” Juric confirmed.

“Celik wants to train today, and Paulo wants to try. The staff’s level is very high here. We must be smart, go fast and think about recovery at the same time. A team like Roma must always play with intensity. You must always be fully fit to get results.”

Enzo Le Fée, on the other hand, won’t be available.

“I hope to see him with the team next week. He’s a midfielder, and I think he’ll suit my playing style perfectly. He works well defensively because he learned it from his previous coaches.”

Could Manu Koné and Niccolò Pisilli start in the middle of the park tomorrow?

“I like Koné and Pisilli because of their skill sets,” Juric admitted.

“They want to grow and improve, and this is fundamental. I want to see them together in training. I enjoy working with lads like them.”

Juric’s relationship with director Florent Ghisolfi seems pretty solid, at least for now.

“We are communicating a lot, as it should happen between a coach and a director,” said the coach.

“We share everything. He has welcomed me very well, and we have a professional relationship. For now, I am very satisfied because we speak very openly, without hiding a thing.

Saud Abdulhamid made his Roma debut as a substitute on Thursday, but he still needs time to settle in.

“He comes from a different world. He has the appropriate skill sets, but it takes time to adapt,” noted Juric.

“I introduced him the other day to have an idea. He will improve with time. We must be cautious regarding players such as Hermoso. He hasn’t played for a long time, and playing him in two consecutive matches could be risky.”