Luis Enrique plays down Guardiola comparisons

New Roma boss Luis Enrique does not want to be compared to former team-mate Pep Guardiola – Barcelona’s young and already very successful coach.

Luis Enrique, whose only previous coaching experience was with the Barcelona B side, was unveiled yesterday by his new club.

“I am very far away from Guardiola’s achievements. The work will do the talking for me,” Luis Enrique said.

“It’s the work that helps you win titles.

“Guardiola is one of the best coaches. I will try to earn the credit with my work but if I don’t make it, someone else will do so in my place.”

Luis Enrique, a former Barcelona player and Spain international, has signed a two-year contract and replaces Vincenzo Montella at the helm of the Giallorossi.

“I thank the club for having chosen me and my staff,” said the 41-year-old. “My intention is not to export the Barcelona model here at Roma.

“I want to bring something that is similar, that is the idea of playing football. I want to transmit a winning mentality and make sure the team plays good football. But the system of play depends on the players you have in the team.”

Luis Enrique believes it is too early to define the club’s objectives, with Roma having yet to strengthen their squad this summer. However, he said Roma, who finished sixth in Serie A last season, already have great players in the side.

“I am happy to coach (Francesco) Totti, (Daniele) De Rossi and (Simone) Perrotta,” he said. “They are very good players.”

The future of De Rossi has been a matter of some speculation, but Walter Sabatini, technical director at Roma, insists the midfielder wishes to stay.The Italy international has yet to extend his contract with his current deal ending next summer.

Sabatini said: “There is no doubt that Roma want to keep him. We will negotiate his contract renewal. His intentions are to remain here.”

Sabatini also hopes Montenegrin forward Mirko Vucinic will remain at the club.

Clear vision

New Roma owner Thomas DiBenedetto also addressed the media, laying out his ambitions for the club.

He said: “Our first aim is to create the best management possible. We want to have clear ideas regarding the future of the team.

“Roma’s project is a long-term one. The financial situation is difficult now but will improve in the future. My aim is not to change Italian football but to make Roma the strongest team.”