AS Roma - all roads must lead to Rome

AS Roma

This season the world saw Nadia effect in World Soccer Leagues at the start in Italy. A S Roma started on a perfect 10 note and set up new Italian record. In first 14 games club has conceded only 4 goals. It clearly shows their strength in front of their goal. They have the best goal difference among all the members of Serie A.

Recently, their march was suddenly halted. Old Lady of Turin is smiling again. 4th successive draw has pushed them down from the perch.

The worrying part in these draws is that these have been conceded against relatively weaker oppositions, away to Torino and Atalanta and at Home to Sassuolo and Cagliari. Some of these clubs are relegation candidates. Roma played explosive soccer against Cagliari but their GK Vlada Avramov was chiefly the reason for at least 6 breathtaking saves of Gervinho, Maicon and Florenzi. Recent drop clearly means that the club has lost crucial points in these games.

The brakes were applied when Fracesco Totti got injured in match against Napoli. He is not playing since then. It has put serious question mark on club’s plan B. Totti is playing in the club since 1992. Quite recently, he has rejected Monaco’s offer. Bimbo d’Oro is still fearsome in shooting, creativity, dribbling and handling fear factors effectively. He has scored 3 goals and provided crucial 6 assists. It clearly indicates his involvement in 9 goals. But honestly with age, Re di Roma is getting weaker in headers and speed.

Transfer rumours are also adding worries to the capital club. Nicolas Burdisso has made his intentions clear that he wants to leave the club and join the company of Alejandro Sebella for Argentina’s Jersey ahead of WC. Quite regrettably, he has made only 3 appearances this season. Kevin Strootman, the Dutch midfielder scored the 90th minute goal against Atalanta to avoid 1st defeat for the club. The talisman is reported to be in touch with Manchester United.

Coach Rudi Garcia spent 5 years at Lille. He is 49 years old. Club’s president James Pallotta wants to emulate the trend of Manchester United. We remember that Sir Alex spent 27 years at Old Trafford. He has assured the Frenchman a long term job.

But complacency can also mar the greats. Garcia showed bad temper against Cagliari and ultimately was to be sent off. He has to labour too much if he wants to be ‘Fergie of Serie A’. A complacent team seldom progress. Despite of all this, coach Garcia is happy with the performance. Rabid fans are shocked. They were dreaming for 4th Escudetto in all and first since 2001. The team is loosing the rhythm, old horse has galloped them and team from Naples is closing the gap. Coach Garcia added further that he will be quite happy if team plays any European Cup. He hailed Juve and admitted that his team do not have the metal of winning Escudetto. A 5th place finish can satiate him. Where is the ‘dressing down’ effect of Alex Fergusen?

There are some positive openings for the club. The club is planning to build a new stadium. HNA group of China with worth of more than 20bn $ is interested in investment in La Maggica. It will be a major boost for 86 year old Roman club. All involved with the club must ensure that this year the road must lead to Rome.