Aquilani clear: personality and dignity needed, many things must change

Sassuolo manager Aquilani admits his side lack personality and courage after a 3-0 defeat to Roma, their fifth consecutive loss.

Sassuolo suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Roma, extending their run to five consecutive losses and leaving them on eight points. Manager Alberto Aquilani, returning to the Olimpico where he played as a midfielder for Roma, was candid in his assessment after the match.

"There was no match, the light went out," Aquilani said. "We do little with the ball, there's little personality, little courage. After 1-0 there was nothing more." He took responsibility for the performance, saying "I can't hide behind anything," and acknowledged the team's mental fragility. "We've been talking about mental weakness and carelessness for some time. It's clear there's a deficit from that point of view."

Despite expressing confidence in the club's backing, Aquilani was emphatic about the need for change: "Many things need to change." Sassuolo will have a break before facing Genoa next.