Amid the Udinese debacle and injury concerns, Roma and José Mourinho are in a bind as it pertains to the defense. The Special One is clamoring to bring in a free agent, but the management isn’t on the same page. But there’s still a chance.
As per Corriere della Sera (via Tuttomercatoweb), director Tiago Pinto is trying to offload Ante Coric and William Bianda to leagues where the transfer market is still open. If he succeeded, there would be room to add a contract. The Giallorossi have been linked to a few options.
Before coming apart against Udinese, the Roma defense had shown well, conceding just once in four matches. Two of the opponents’ goals arrived on blunders. Chris Smalling has carried the rearguard, which is risky considering his injury history.
Despite backup Marash Kumbulla being out, Mourinho is not considering a full-time switch to a four-man line. He will continue to use it only occasionally. One of the reasons is that he has to take out Gianluca Mancini to pull it off, one of his most trusted players. The stratagem paid dividends in the Juventus clash. The gaffer dished on the matter during the summer.
“Our center-backs are more at ease with our usual system. We would have to work to adapt to the other one.”
Our Take on the Roma Defense
The Special One has a long history with 4-2-3-1, and he should give serious thought to going back to it. Not necessarily because of their issues in the back, which are likely just a blip, but because the midfield is starting to show creaks with Lorenzo Pellegrini. When Nicolò Zaniolo returns, the other formation would be better suited to fit all the attackers.
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