Enrique ready for tough battle in Siena

Luis Enrique is expecting his Roma team to be put to the test when they face Siena in Serie A on Monday.

Roma drew 1-1 with Siena during the teams’ first meeting at Stadio Olimpico on September 22, as new coach Enrique struggled to produce results early in his tenure.

Inconsistency continues to affect the fortunes of Enrique’s side – just one win from their last four outings has left Roma sixth on the table, 12 points back from leaders Juventus and facing a battle to qualify for European competition.

Siena, meanwhile, are 17th, two points clear of relegation and with a fight on their hands to avoid demotion to Serie B.

Nevertheless, Roma’s Spanish coach is braced for tough encounter at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

“In the first match Siena put on a great performance at a high level and we had a bit of luck first time round,” Enrique said.

“Now I expect a match to be difficult against a team which is doing very well. These matches are never easy since the opposing team always has its qualities.”

“We’re going to Siena with the right mentality to play the right game.”

Despite Siena’s precarious position in the league, Enrique paid tribute to the work of their coach Giuseppe Sannino, and singled out several players as potential threats.

“(Siena) have many players who can cause us problems, like Mattia Destro, Emanuele Calaio and Gaetano D’Agostino,” he said.

“You can see the work of their coach, as they are tight and effective on the counter-attack.”

“Each game plan depends on the players on the pitch and can be different, since all players – both forwards and defenders – have their own skills.”

“I can assure you that Roma will always play on the attack, as that is the most important thing for me. Then, of course, there are different variations we can adopt within that approach.”

With several Italian fixtures falling victim to the freezing conditions affecting Europe, it remains to be seen if the match, scheduled for a Monday evening kick-off, will go ahead.

Some games have been moved forward to afternoon starts in a bid to avoid postponements, but Roma’s trip to Siena is yet to be shifted.

“It is a little strange that the decision hasn’t been made quicker,” Enrique said.

“We must first of all think about the safety of the players and fans.”