Luciano Spalletti claims Manchester United are so effective because “they are the most Italian team I know!”
The 2-0 home defeat has made it extremely difficult for Roma to reach the Champions League semi-final after goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney largely against the run of play.
“If you look at the result they are certainly of a different class, but if you watch the game then that is not the case,” said Spalletti.
“The only thing I really didn’t like was the way we conceded the second goal and after that the lads lost faith in their own abilities and chances of turning this around.
“In my view, we played the way we had to. We certainly deserved more, especially in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.
“We had some great chances with Christian Panucci and Mirko Vucinic, yet when the cross came in for United they made the most of it. I believe the result is very harsh on Roma.”
It was a tactical masterclass from Sir Alex Ferguson, but Spalletti insists the Premiership leaders are the antithesis of a typical British team.
“It is United’s work rate and willingness of every player to sacrifice themselves for the defensive movement that makes the difference. They maintain a balance between coming back to defend and leaving space to run forward without getting tired.
“They have great stamina and individual talent, although I must point out tonight they were rather fortunate. The talent is there, but so is the luck!
“I said in the Press Conference yesterday that people always maintain Italian clubs play defensive and on the counter, so in that case Manchester United are the most Italian team I know!
“I’ve seen at least 10 of their games and they always play like this. They sit back, soak up pressure, clam up in midfield – which unfortunately we allowed them to do and play between the lines – and then break forward on the counter.
“We played our game and did what we had do, although obviously the team got depressed when United scored with their first foray into the penalty area.
“We were unlucky on a few occasions and consequently must accept the situation and try to turn it around.”
The 2-0 home defeat in the first leg is a damning result, especially as last season Roma lost 7-1 at Old Trafford.
“Admittedly it’s very difficult, but we must not make the mistake of assuming we are already out. After all, we have scored two goals in places like Lyon and Madrid,” noted Spalletti.
“When United took the lead we tried to push 10 metres further forward and we did put them under pressure, but couldn’t take our chances.
“I was very unhappy with the last 10 minutes, when we were very disconnected and sent out the wrong message. I never want to see that approach again.”
Francesco Totti was out with a thigh strain and is also in doubt for the second leg in just over a week, while Simone Perrotta will return from suspension.
“Francesco felt better today and the sensations 24 hours after the scan are more positive. We have to let time pass and evaluate what happens. We would obviously be happy to have him back for the second leg.”
Does this result mean the Giallorossi will turn their focus exclusively to the Scudetto race and Coppa Italia?
“Nothing changes, as until we are mathematically eliminated then my team has a duty to keep chasing Inter and United.
“We will try to win every game, although it is not easy. After all, we should have beaten Cagliari last Saturday and didn’t take our chances – as we saw tonight, that really makes a difference.”
