Who is our 11/1 goal scorer tip for Arsenal’s Premiership game against Stoke tonight? Find out here…
Vincenzo Montella insists he is not merely acting as caretaker Roma coach until Carlo Ancelotti arrives.
Montella was appointed as Roma coach until the end of the season on Monday after Claudio Ranieri’s resignation on Sunday night. Chelsea boss Ancelotti, whose position has come under scrutiny on the back of a disappointing run in recent months, has been linked with the Roma job.
Montella, 36, although lacking in experience, is determined to show he is not just a short-term appointment.
“I don’t feel like a stop-gap,” he said. “At the same time I don’t worry about the rumours or the coaches that are talked about.
“I’m not bothered that people are talking about Ancelotti, who is someone I have a lot of respect for.
“My goal is just to do well from now until the end of the season.”
Montella, who was forced to spend much of his time at Roma as a substitute behind the likes of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano, made light of his lack of coaching experience.
“I believe that I’ve sat on the bench in Serie A a lot more than many coaches have, so I do have some experience,” he joked.
“But for the first time tomorrow I’ll be happy to sit on the bench.”
And Montella revealed he has been in touch with his predecessor since the former Chelsea and Valencia coach left the Stadio Olimpico.
“I spoke to Ranieri yesterday (Tuesday),” he confirmed. “I have a lot of respect for him, and previously he gave me some great advice to start coaching.
“I rang him to thank him but now I want to make up my own ideas about this team.
“I accepted the job with enthusiasm because it’s a lucky thing to be coach of Roma,” Montella added.
“There are good players here who are going through a difficult psychological period, they’re sensitive lads but I believe in their desire to bounce back and for me it’s important to speak to each one of them individually.
“I have a lot of faith in their character, both human and technical.”
Who is our 11/1 goal scorer tip for Arsenal’s Premiership game against Stoke tonight? Find out here…
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