Montella seeks to rectify Roma ´mental block´

New Roma boss Vincenzo Montella says he will focus on the side’s psychological problems rather than make wholesale changes to the squad.

Montella was appointed as an interim replacement for Claudio Ranieri, who resigned after watching his side throw away a 3-0 lead before succumbing 4-3 to Genoa over the weekend.

The defeat left last year’s Serie A runners-up in eighth position on the standings.

“I think the team’s main problem is above all a mental block,” said Montella during his official unveiling on Tuesday.

“The players are sensitive and they are carrying inside them this big weight.”

“They need to free themselves from this burden, and this is the first step we need to take so that they can play to their true potential.”

The 36-year-old Montella is the youngest manager in the Serie A but does not think his inexperience will be an issue.

“This was not my idea but I have accepted this role with calmness.My aim is to do well until the end of the season, when my contract expires.”

“I will bring out my best to help the team, but the future does not interest me. I’m just concentrating on the task at hand.”

Montella’s first game in charge will be Roma’s Serie A encounter at Bologna on Wednesday.