Roma vs Palermo preview - Zeman backing ahead of Palermo clash

A variety of voices came out in support of Roma head coach Zdenek Zeman this week, as the beleaguered coach prepares to welcome Palermo.

The Czech tactician may have been semi-serious when he blamed a puddle for the Giallorossi's 3-2 defeat in Parma, but the cracks are starting to show at the capital club, who have drifted away from the European spots in recent weeks.

Director of football Walter Sabatini may have been a vocal critic of Roma's underachievement, but he remains convinced Zeman's attacking system will pay dividends.

He told Gazzetta.it: "We argue over the results on a daily basis, as well as the deals we did in the transfer market, over which everyone is divided.

"But all of these players are capable of playing in Zeman's 4-3-3."

Veteran striker Francesco Totti, who has contributed three goals so far, is urging his team-mates to buy into Zeman's philosophy.

"The team isn't working, they're not doing what Zeman wants," he told Gazzetta.it.

"We're only putting 50 per cent of what he asks us to do into practice.

"We're still nowhere near to achieving what we want to achieve.

"It's a bad time, but we remain united and we're ready to put this negativity behind us."

A lack of consistency may be plaguing the capital club but conversely their opponents are being held back by a frustrating run of four draws.

The Rosanero were denied victory in midweek as AC Milan rallied back from 2-0 down, with defender Steve Von Bergen hoping for better luck at the Stadio Olimpico.

"It's true that a victory would mean a lot to us and we've come close on many occasions," he told Gazzetta.it.

"We were so close to those three points, and everyone wants to get the victory that will drag us out of the bad times.

"I don't think Roma are doing too badly. But like all teams, they have their weaknesses."