Derby defeat will not faze Enrique

Roma coach Luis Enrique says he is not worried about losing to Lazio on Sunday in what will be his first Rome derby in charge of the club.

The former Barcelona B boss has come under pressure since his off-season arrival after making a poor start to the campaign.

But the big-spending side have improved of late and go into the game against their fierce rivals on the back of successive victories in Serie A.

“Clearly it is not a game like any other, but I am not worried by winning or losing the derby. I just want to do my best so that my team can with every match,” Enrique said.

“I’m not thinking about my future, nor the idea that if I lose the derby and win every other match, I’ll still get fired. I’ve said many times the club supports me and I’ve never felt any doubts.”

The 41-year-old also refused to write off Sunday’s opposition, despite Roma’s recent good form against Edy Reja’s men which has seen his side win the last five Rome derbies.

“Lazio are a strong side with three quality strikers of international level. Miroslav Klose will be motivated and I’m happy he is fit enough to feature. I studied Lazio this season and past derbies to understand how they move.”

“Of course I hope the pressure of losing five consecutive derbies weigh on Lazio’s shoulders. On the other hand, we are still building a new project and they are more complete at this stage. I fear their collective ability and individuals like Hernanes.”

Roma defeated Lazio 2-0 twice last season in Serie A while also securing a 2-1 victory against their rivals to knock them out of the Coppa Italia.