Enrique encouraged by Roma showing

Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by ESPN

Roma boss Luis Enrique was happy with his side's display following the 1-1 draw against Serie A leaders Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma took the lead over Juventus after six minutes via a Daniele De Rossi goal, but were pegged back by a Giorgio Chiellini goal on the hour mark.

They had a chance to go ahead moments later fter Arturo Vidal had felled Erik Lamela in the area, but Totti saw his subsequent effort from 12 yards out saved by Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

However, Enrique chose not to dwell on what could have been and praised his side's performance.

He told Sky Sport Italia after the match: "The penalty miss was a pity, but Buffon is a great goalkeeper,"

"It is right to emphasise this. Just as we must acknowledge the proof that Juventus are very strong. I'm happy with my boys; we played a good game. I'm glad I saw the crowd here ready to support us.

"Today we made a great effort [so] let's continue with this attitude."

The former Spain international singled out Miralem Pjanic for praise, hailing the youngster's efforts in nullifying Andrea Pirlo's playmaking skills in the midfield.

"To stop Pirlo was one of our first objectives; Pjanic did a good job, as did the rest of the midfield," Luis Enrique said.

A positive result in what were difficult circumstances for Roma, who were without a plethora of first-team regulars through a combination of suspension and injury, should ease the pressure on Enrique and he remains determined to finish the job he has started in the Eternal City.

" I feel the trust of the team, the club and the fans. I will continue to work until they tell me [otherwise], " he declared.

Roma climb to ninth place in the Serie A table after the win.