Juan Manuel Iturbe has spoken of his joy at scoring a crucial spot kick against ten-time European champions Real Madrid today, helping Roma to clinch two points in their opening International Champions Cup Australia encounter.
The Argentine forward, who came on in the second half at Melbourne Cricket Ground, held his nerve to convert from 12 yards with the shootout delicately poised at 5-4, before the Giallorossi went on to secure a 6-7 victory on penalties.
After the final whistle the 22-year-old shared his thoughts on the game, as well as discussing Roma’s new training methods, the impact Iago Falque has made and his own hopes for the coming campaign.
Manuel, being the fifth penalty taker was quite a responsibility to shoulder today.
“Yes, everyone knows it’s not easy taking a penalty when a miss will mean your team losing because of you. Luckily it went well for me. I have to say it felt good to step up there and take that responsibility against a team as big as Real.”
And Roma more than held their own against Real today. How do you think the team played?
“We did well. We’ve been playing together as a group for a year now and we all know what to do on the pitch. Iago Falque has come in now too and he’s wasted no time in showing people what he can do. I hope he has a good season because he’s an excellent player.”
How is pre-season training coming along?
“The start of the season is a long way off. We’ve only been back in training for two weeks so it’s still too early to say how we’re shaping up. We need to work hard in this period and just try to play our game, then we’ll see how we go. In any case I think the fitness staff we have here will get us in shape by the time the new campaign starts.”
So you’re happy with the training methods being used in this early phase of pre-season?
“Yes, it’s all going great. We’re working with professionals who understand that a player needs to be fit all the time and that’s a big plus for the whole team.”
There’s more competition for places up front now with Iago Falque joining, more options for the coach. Do you see that as a positive?
“Of course. You always want to be surrounded by talented team-mates. Injuries inevitably happen over the course of a season so having a full squad ready to step in at any time is exactly what you need.”
You had a fairly slow start to the season last year then ended on a high. Are you hoping to start as you finished and show your worth at Roma?
“I certainly hope so! I feel more at ease now after a year in Trigoria and I know the city and all my team-mates, so yes hopefully I can have a great season. It’s not going to be easy for us because obviously all our rivals are strengthening too, but our aim is to improve on last year.”
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