Roma the crisis deepens

By European Football
April 17 2005

Yesterday’s 2-1 defeat by Reggina has merely increased the pressure on caretaker boss Bruno Conti who admitted: "We can't let ourselves get depressed after this result and have to keep looking forward.”

"Right now everyone has to come together and think about the importance of helping Roma rather than worry about their individual careers. I also have to look at the here and now, teaching the players that they can build a team spirit and still achieve something this season."

But it hides a different reality, the reality of a season without European football, is looking increasingly likely for Roma, the prospects of losing star players an increasing reality.

Crowd trouble is also on the rise. Wonder boy Cassano looks like he is on his way to Juventus, Totti is remaining loyal for the moment but has admitted he is tempted by Real Madrid.

Four Managers already this season and searching for number five. No money to strengthen, failed take over bids and investigations into their worth.

All in all it is not the best of times to be a Roma fan, in fact one of the few crumbs of comfort they can take is that Lazio are not fairing any better, with off the field problems, but even this may be a transitory illusion of comfort.

Lazio now appear to be able to move forward at least, a controversial deal with the Inland Revenue has given them a lifeline, and while it remains to be seen whether they grab this chance, Roma must be hoping for some breaks of their own.

Can they still make Europe? Well it’s looking less and less likely by the week, and then how many players will they lose?