AS ROMA, Marquinho: "I was never worried I might be heading back to Brazil"

© foto di Alberto Fornasari

At the end of yesterday morning's training session the Brazilian player of As Roma, Marquinho met journalists in the press room. This is what he had to say:
OBJECTIVES
I think we're still lacking something before we can rub shoulders with the teams that finished at the top of the table last season, but we have a team than can challenge on various fronts this year: the group work together well and after having a year to get to know each other we can now start thinking about putting in a serious challenge for the title. The least of our targets is winning a Champions League place and we are putting lot of effort into this now. I believe that after all of the physical work we are doing the satisfaction of winning something will be great, especially after a mediocre season like last year's. Totti? He's always been in the limelight whether he's on or off the pitch: he's an example to us all and I think he should keep on going because he's one of those players who can make a difference.
COMPETITION
I've always believed in my abilities and if another player who plays in my position is signed, the competition for a place on the team will do us good: this is an important factor as regards the quality of the squad. Have I decided on a goal tally? It isn't easy to set a target. In Brazil I managed eight or ten a season. I can only guarantee one thing: I will score because I'll give everything I've got when I'm out there on the pitch. If the right opportunity presents itself, I'll take it and slip into the box or go for a shot from outside the area.
FITNESS
We were very tired yesterday following a very heavy training session before the match: Zeman is a great promoter of physical fitness and after an hour our legs began to feel the pressure, but I think things will improve from now on and we'll start to see the benefit after a couple of weeks. I think that in Zeman's system midfielders will run more, because the way he wants us to play involves continuous back-up and overlapping both in attack and in defence. Castan? He's a great player and he's going through a wonderful spell in his career; I'm sure he will fit perfectly into a team like this.

WORK METHOD
The method of training here is slightly different to what we do in Brazil and back home pre-season preparations are shorter than in Italy. Personally speaking I have never done so much running, but my team-mates and I all want to do what the boss tells us to: the purpose of this work is to win things. An identikit of Zeman? I'd say he's definitely someone out of the ordinary compared to other coaches I have worked under. What has surprised me is his persistence, his belief in what he is doing and that he never stoops to compromises. He doesn't negotiate where workload is concerned and no one gets off lightly. Undoubtedly the work is tough, but we all believe in him and he is a winner. From now on things will take a turn for the better.
STAYING AT ROMA
I was never worried I might be heading back to Brazil because I spoke to Sabatini and Baldini before going away on holiday. Then, as always, a bit of time was needed to finalise all the details. What's my favourite position? My ideal position is in central midfield – that's where I'm able to give the best of myself.
TRANSFER MARKET
Destro? To be honest I haven't seen Siena play very often, but I know he's done very well. Borini's departure has deprived us of a very influential player, but if we can bring in a valid alternative it will help make up for his loss. Thiago Silva's move to PSG? He's without doubt the best defender in the world and Italy always lose out when a player of his calibre moves elsewhere. I certainly back him because besides being a great person he's also a great friend.