http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr8r.html
He knows his stuff.
Spalletti: Nothing is impossible
Tuesday 8 April, 2008
Luciano Spalletti reminds Roma and Manchester United that “nothing is impossible in sport” as he tries to overturn a 2-0 deficit at Old Trafford.
“We have to play for an hour as if nothing had happened at the Olimpico, completely ignoring the aggregate scoreline,” insisted the Giallorossi tactician ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League quarter-final.
“We must do well to make the most of the chances we create. To lay siege to United would be counterproductive.”
Sir Alex Ferguson irritated the Roma players when he talked about the potential semi-final against Barcelona.
The English media has also written them off, especially considering their 7-1 defeat in this fixture last season.
“Well we will try to achieve something remarkable. In sport one must accept defeat and we were able to learn and grow from that night,” continued Spalletti.
“After losing the first leg 2-0 it would be arrogant of me to come here and make proclamations. One must be humble and remember United are very strong.
“Looking over the past few years, there is a marked difference in the statistics and what has been achieved between these two clubs. Manchester are an example to be followed, but not just for Roma.
“If you don’t fight against them, then you lose. In fact, you can fight and lose anyway, because they have quality as well.”
After the first leg Spalletti suggested United were “the most Italian team I know” because of their counter-attacking tactics.
“What I found very impressive was the readiness to work hard and make sacrifices of their strikers. Against Middlesbrough I saw Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney perform crucial defensive interventions. In Italy and Spain we value tactics and technique, but in England they focus on muscles and sacrifice.”
Nonetheless, the Roma boss does not think the result is a foregone conclusion in the slightest.
“Nothing is impossible in sport. We have to give it our all, more than ever before. But I always start out thinking my team can overturn any result.
“We are playing this game and going out there in order to qualify. We certainly don’t have problems scoring goals.”
Amantino Mancini disappointed in recent outings and there are rumours he could be dropped.
“I am keeping him in consideration for this match, but the line-up is a different matter entirely. Mancini has important potential that we still need.”
The Coach also warned some of his players, most notably David Pizarro, for suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo was mocking opponents with his tricks.
“The bitterness of that moment made some step over the line. The Portuguese player is very strong. He is exuberant, but all in all fair.”