DBasia.news – A bitter debut passed by AS Roma’s new defender, Chris Smalling, against Atalanta. Giallorossi lost by a score of 0-2.
Duvan Zapata and Marten De Roon scored in the second half for the visitors, concluding Roma’s unbeaten run at the start of the season.
“I am happy to make my home debut, but disappointed that the team did not win,” Smalling said.
“We have dreams and great desires this season and we need to win home games. We must ensure that the team does not slip too often in the home party this season.”
He added: “I think the game in the second half is more opened. The first half went very carefully, there were few opportunities. We need to appear a little more dominant, especially because we were playing at home.
“We showed it in the second half, but we were a little slow in getting started.”
How is your physical condition? You seem to have had cramps at the end of the fight?
“Yes, a little, but this is my first competitive match of the season. I know it. When the game was 70 minutes in, I began to feel a little problem in my leg. However, I know that risk because this is the first match, for the next game I will be much stronger and fitter. “
What do you expect from the following match?
“I don’t think there is an easy match in Italy. I have watched many matches in Italian competitions, both before and after I arrived here. Every match will be a difficult battle. Today there are two teams that didn’t provide many opportunities, and only one or two opportunities were created. Every fight will be a battle, but it is a challenge that I enjoy.
“I enjoy playing again. It was the first game and I enjoyed playing at the Olimpico. However, I just want to help the club achieve big targets this season.
“Tonight is a tight match and the first goal is always crucial. I know that every game will be a fight and I’m ready for it – I’m ready to welcome Sunday’s game.”
How do you respond to the system switch from three to four defenders?
“In this week’s training session we have explored tactics. Something I have observed since we were here, we worked very hard in terms of tactics and the team are ready to plunge into the game.
“In each match we know what formation to use and how we will pressure our opponents and so on, so we are heading for the match very well.”