Totti is unique but I pick team, says Enrique

10 September 2011 14:00

New Roma coach Luis Enrique has heaped praise on club captain Francesco Totti but refused to guarantee the fan favourite a place in the team.

Enrique was jeered by fans during Roma's Europa League exit against Slovan Bratislava for first having left Totti on the bench and then substituted the veteran forward in the return leg.

The Spanish coach has come under fire in the local press, while some pundits have already called for him to be sacked before he has even taken charge of a Serie A match.

But new American owner Thomas DiBenedetto has publicly backed his coach, who remains unmoved.

"Totti cannot be a normal player like the others. He's special, unique. He's scored 207 goals in Serie A," said Enrique.

"He's the most important player in Roma's history but it's up to me to decide who plays. It's my right, also, to make mistakes."

However, despite rumours that Totti has been a disruptive influence behind the scenes, Enrique claims the mood is positive in the Roma camp.

"I'm very happy with everyone's attitude, also from the club and the officials," he said.

"When you change a lot as we've done you can have a few delicate and strange situations.

"But I'm happy with the support I've had and I'm happy with the players, including Francesco, who is our captain.

"I speak every day with the players and I'm happy with things as they stand.

"What I'm concerned about is our next opponents, Cagliari. I haven't argued with or had a problem with anyone."

Source: AFP