The new strategist Vincenzo Montella insists that he is not taking on the job just to "warm the seat" for Carlo Ancelotti.
Montella signed a contract until the end of the season, replacing the departed Claudio Ranieri. Nevertheless, there are rumors that Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Chelsea in London, will return to Italy this summer.
Having ended his football career in 2009, Montella has so far only trained the youth team of Roma.
"I don't feel like I'm temporarily filling a gap," he said. "And I'm not concerned at all about talks of other coaches.
"I'm not bothered that Ancelotti's name is mentioned - I highly respect this specialist. My goal is to do my job well until the end of this season."
Montella represented the capital team from 1999 to 2009, playing only a peripheral role in the last seasons. Remembering this, the former striker jokingly said, "I sat on the bench in the Italian championship much more than other coaches, so I definitely have experience."
And he added, "From tomorrow, the activity on the bench will delight me."