Conte defends Roma´s Enrique

Juventus coach Antonio Conte spoke out in support of under-fire Roma boss Luis Enrique as the two teams prepare to meet in Serie A.

Both new to their respective roles at the beginning of the season, the two men have experienced contrasting fortunes so far in 2011/12.

Conte has led Juve to the top of the table, and his team remain unbeaten in the league after 13 matches played.

Enrique however has struggled – Roma sit 10th in the standings and are without a win in their last two outings.

They suffered the embarrassment of having three players sent off in a 3-0 loss at Fiorentina last week.

Some of the demanding Roma faithful are already calling for former Spanish international Enrique to be sacked.

But despite Roma’s poor start to the campaign, Conte feels his counterpart should be given time at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I am convinced Luis Enrique is doing a great job,” he said.

“We need more coaches like him and you can see his mark on the side, as even (though) they lost to Fiorentina last week, they continued to play good football when down to eight men.”

Conte anticipates a tough contest when Juve visit the Italian capital on Monday, despite their opponents’ inconsistent form.

“I expect the usual Roma, they are a team with a precise idea of football and they will remain close to that idea,” he said.

“I like them a lot, I like how they play football.”

“Everyone has his philosophy, but I think we share with Roma the desire to play football, that’s for sure.”

“As I have said many times we think football is a kind of mathematics and the good or bad work you’ve been doing with your team depends on the results you get.”

“Rome is always a challenging place to go, because it’s always a very heartfelt match against a great team and we’ve always had difficulties in the past against them.”

“The support at the Olimpico is like a 12th player on the pitch for them.”