Stadio Renato Dall'Ara: Home of Bologna(credit:
Wikipedia)
Vincenzo Montella is determined to land the Roma manager’s job on a permanent basis.
Youth team boss Montella has been placed in charge of first-team affairs until the end of the season following Claudio Ranieri’s decision to resign at the weekend.
Reports in Italy have suggested the 36-year-old is merely filling the role until the end of the season, when he will be replaced by Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.
But, speaking ahead of tonight’s clash with Bologna, Montella said: “I don't feel like a stop-gap.
“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.”
He added: “I accepted the job with enthusiasm because it's a lucky thing to be coach of Roma.
“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.”
Roma surrendered a three-goal lead as they crashed to a 4-3 defeat to Genoa at the weekend, while Bologna bounced back from defeat at Sampdoria by beating Palermo 1-0.
Watch Bologna v Roma live at 365, kicking off at 17.30 GMT.