Cesena vs AS Roma preview - Enrique targets winning farewell

Posted Sunday, May 13, 2012 by PA

Roma go into their season-ending clash at Cesena knowing it will be coach Luis Enrique's last game in charge of the Giallorossi.

The Romans have endured a disappointing campaign and will finish no higher than seventh place, thus failing to secure European football.

Ahead of Sunday's game, Roma general director Franco Baldini confirmed reports that Luis Enrique, in his first season at the helm of the Giallorossi, will step down at the end of the campaign.

The Spaniard's contract with the Eternal City outfit runs for a further year.

"We already knew for some time that Luis Enrique would leave," Baldini said to Italian Sky TG 24. "After the game against Fiorentina (April 25), he had expressed with certainty his intention.

"I believe that he has been physically consumed by the campaign and I don't think he will train again this year."

Inconsistency has been Roma's main problem this term.

Roma have won just two of their last nine games and last weekend's 2-2 draw against Catania dropped them five points adrift of Napoli, who are fifth and hold the last Europa League qualifying spot.

Former Roma coach Vincenzo Montella, currently in charge of Catania, has been strongly linked with a return to the Giallorossi hotseat this summer.

However, Baldini has remained tight-lipped over who will succeed Luis Enrique.

"I can't say when will we name a new coach," he said. "Since we have known about Luis' departure, we have thought about many individuals but we have not contacted anyone so far."

Rivals Cesena have warned Roma they are determined to sign off with a win at the Dino Manuzzi stadium.

Since Cesena's relegation was sealed earlier this month, the club has been preparing for life in Serie B.

"We want to go out with a win after this dreadful season which has ended in relegation," said Cesena coach Mario Beretta.

"It would be nice to finish with a victory and we will give our all for that to happen."

The Cavallucci Marini, who will end the campaign at the foot of the standings, have won just four of 37 games and their last victory dates back to January 15.

Last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Novara was their fourth straight loss.