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Interview with legendary commentator Richard Whittle.
Richard Whittle Interview With Il Romanista
If any of you watch Roma games on the new BeIn network, often you will find your commentator to be Roma fan favorite Richard Whittle. After the Roma-Palermo match this past Sunday he caught up with Il Romanista:
The Rainbow After The Storm
How did you come to comment “The Rainbow After The Storm”?
Rome came from two defeats and a lot of controversy. Regarding the goal and performance of Totti it came to my mind to say such. Speaking of Francesco, I also said he looks like a player from another era. The shirt with the long sleeves and shorter socks but I have had that feeling… #Totti looks more like a footballer than a model, as are the players of today.
The Presentation of Totti against Palermo was under everyones eyes:
Yes it was incredible! He had a new life. Ran the entire match, dispensed the ball, made goals… A phenomenon!
Before the game what did you expect? A victory or another disappointment?
Honestly I expected a Roman victory. The disappointment came from the games against Udinese and Parma where I thought we would win. Sunday night I saw a much stronger Roma. They played much better and more compact due to Bradley and #Burdisso, who I like very much. Not to mention the three strikers, Totti, #Osvaldo, and #Lamela who were devastating.
Now you have become famous for names for Totti. One for Lamela?
I’d call a prince, a little prince.
Osvaldo?
He brings to mind another name of nobility: the Duke.
Why?
Because he’s tough, he’s a fighter.
Totti is still the King?
Sure. Sunday commentary I said, “He is still the king” and I’m not the only one who thinks so…
In addition to Totti, who is the Roma player that you like the most?
Florenzi I really like. He always runs, keeps the position and when he makes mistakes he makes up for them immediately, a sign that he is very concentrated. Very professional.
How do you rate the Giallorossi defense thus far?
Giving an opinion on the back line is not easy because they are all new together. There are few Roma defenders who have played many Serie A matches but in time they will do well.
How do you see Roma in the League? Do you think they can fight for a Champions League spot?
They are definitely among the top 3 Italian team. They play a fantastic football. Even against Parma on a field that was impractical ( water logged) they tried to play their game. Roma can and must fight for a Champions League place… Zeman is a very good coach. In all this time the Bohemian has never changed his ideas, his way of getting his teams to play. He obviously needs time because it is not easy, as the team is full of young and new players.
What do they think of Rome outside Italy?
They are really liked because they are spectacular; People like their offensive game which is different from other Italian teams as they are usually more defensive.
So are they very popular?
The ratings are great especially in Asia and North America. The Giallorossi are followed by Al Jazeera, even in Arab countries such as Libya. There, the Giallorossi have so many fans, as they do around the world. It is also because Rome is a splendid city known everywhere.
For the derby will you be at the Olimpico?
Yeah, I’ll do the game for Al Jazeera. I can not wait.
We love you Richard and can’t wait to hear your commentary for the Derby!
You can follow him on Twitter at @Richwman and A.S. Roma News in English at @asRomainEnglish
It’s time for Roma to dispense with Zeman.
Unfortunately his level is Foggia or Pescara and not one of the most revered clubs in world football like Roma.
When you see a relative managerial novice like Neil Lennon successfully implement a tactical masterclass like Celtic versus Barcelona last week…
And then compare it to Zeman who, having spent a lifetime managing, has stood idly by as Roma have lost 14 points from winning positions this season. His inability to instil any bit of shape or defensive structure on the team is appalling.
The Lazio supporters must love him. An excellent derby record when he managed them and they’ve an equally superb record in derbies in games where he’s been managing us.
Zemanlandia, my hole - he should fuck off back to Lazio.
Go fuck yourself.
Roma take on Torino tonight, those not behind Mr. Zeman need not watch.
Pjanic and Castan replace the suspended Burdisso and De Rossi.
Very bright start from us.
Great chance for Osvaldo after wonderful play from Lamela. Super Erik is a superior player to Messi, won’t be long until he displaces him in the national side.
So close from Totti. Great effort.
Marcos is the best young centre back in the world.
What a pass from Totti.
Balzaretti. :rolleyes:
Oh dear, Super Erik Lamela has gone over on his ankle.
Balzaretti gets in such good positions but his distribution and decision making are embarrassing.
What a splendid move, the pass from Totti was delightful.
Cerci is a very good player, I feel one of Spaletti’s failings was not using him during his spell in charge.
What an interception from Marcos! 
An unusual half, Florenzi, Totti and Marco have been very good. Pjanic has struggled out there and Balzaretti has been seen so many attacks break down at his feet, Piris continues to look hapless while we’ve struggled to get Lamela into the game. Osvaldo needs to do more, think we should consider bringing Destro in for him.
Really poor again from Pjanic. We should bring Marquinho in for him.
Balzaretti is dire, get Dodo on.
We’re pressing very hard here and the fans are really getting behind the team, come on Roma.
Fuck off Balzaretti you utter mong.