Roma manager Juric: “We lack a winning mentality”

After their defeat against Inter in the last league match, Roma will try to turn things around in their Europa League clash against Dynamo Kiev on Thursday. In the new format, the Giallorossi are still searching for their first victory, having drawn one and lost one in the previous two matchdays, leaving them with just one point alongside six other teams. On the eve of the match at the Olimpico, Roma’s manager Ivan Juric spoke at a press conference.

Juric addressed the team’s mentality, stating, “We haven’t yet decided on substitutions. It won’t be a massive turnover, but I think I’ll change something. Mancini didn’t finish training because he had a fever.” He emphasized the need for improvement, saying, “We’ve had some positive performances, but at this moment we don’t have a winning mentality. It’s not the mentality of Roma, and perhaps not even of a team smaller than ours. Here we have everything we need to work well; the rest are excuses.”

The manager expects more from his players: “I expect a greater willingness from the players to get out of this moment. Matches like those against Monza or Elfsborg are no longer acceptable.” Juric highlighted the progress in their gameplay but stressed the importance of mentality: “We’ve made important steps forward in our play, but mentality is trained during practice sessions.” He added, “I’m happy to see my players grow, but we’re not yet at the level this team deserves. The results are not sufficient; now we need to push and show what we’re made of.”

Regarding specific players, Juric praised Hermoso: “He’s a great professional and in very good condition. I’ve always chosen between him and Angelino, who I see very much in that role, but it doesn’t mean he can’t also play as a midfielder.” When asked about Baldanzi, Juric confirmed, “He’ll play tomorrow; it’s not a change.”

Addressing speculation about his position, Juric said, “I talk to the director every day. Like me, he sees positive and negative things. I lack nothing here; there’s a perfect situation, and finding excuses would be weak. The organization and the training center are top-notch; we just need to win.” He concluded by emphasizing the club’s ambitions: “The club wants to go to the Champions League. The Europa League and the Italian Cup can give us a lot of joy.”