Roma's Marquinho admits former coach Zdeněk Zeman "irritated" him

Roma midfielder Marquinho has confessed that he was "irritated" by the way former coach Zdeněk Zeman managed the team.

The Giallorossi have won their last two on the bounce under new manager Aurelio Andreazzoli, who was promoted from assistant manager following Zeman’s sacking last month.

Marquinho told Roma Channel: "Andreazzoli spoke to all the players and said each of us is important for the team.

"He told me I was a good player who can cover many different roles and he cares about me, but that I have lost motivation recently.

"Andreazzoli is a great person and I really like him. He was already giving me pep talks when he was in Luis Enrique’s staff. Whatever he wants me to do, I will do it."

The Brazilian says that the difference between the two managers is that his former boss used to force players to adapt their style and didn’t effectively communicate from the touchline.

He added: "The difference is that Zeman forced players to adapt to their style of football, whereas Andreazzoli adapts the system to his players.

"Zeman didn’t talk much from the touchline and it really irritated me, as I am more communicative.

"Andreazzoli talks a lot to give everyone directions and we discuss things between us too. On Sunday it’ll be very difficult against Genoa, but we must believe that third place is within reach. Our target is Europe, as with such a strong squad we can’t stay out."

Marquinho almost sealed a move to Grêmio during the January transfer window, after he struggled to hold down a regular place under Zeman.

"I had never spent six or seven months without being a first choice. It’s not that I have a problem with being on the bench, but I just saw so few opportunities for me and thought it better to leave in January. Grêmio were interested, plus another three or four teams, but football changes," he concluded.

The former Fluminese playmaker joined the Stadio Olimpico outfit on a permanent contract last summer after impressing on loan.

Source: Football Italia