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Voeller takes reins at Roma Former Germany coach Rudi Voeller took charge of Italian club AS Roma on Tuesday following the resignation of Cesare Prandelli. Voeller flew into Rome, signed a one-season contract and immediately assumed control of a training session with his new players. Former Parma coach Prandelli, who replaced Fabio Capello during the close season, stepped down this month due to his wife's ill health. "I've come here because we are all in a tricky situation, I'm here to replace Prandelli and I will try to do that in the most professional way possible," Voeller told a news conference. "I will try to help and I believe I know how to help. I'll do my best but I also know that that involves having to win at least a match or two, maybe a few more than in Germany anyway. "The pressure is higher here in Italy," he said. Voeller, who resigned as Germany coach after a disappointing Euro 2004, played for Roma between 1987 and 1992 and was the club's first choice after Prandelli stood down. The 44-year-old, whose wife is Italian, represents something of a risk given his lack of experience in club coaching. Voeller took over the Germany squad in 2000 after four years working as sports director of Bayer Leverkusen, who Roma face in this season's Champions League. Two years later he took an unfancied Germany team to the 2002 World Cup final where they lost to Brazil. Germany's elimination in the first round of Euro 2004, however, led to Voeller's resignation. His appointment was welcomed by Roma's fans, who crowded outside the gates of the club's training base in the south of the city hoping for a glimpse of their new coach. Asked whether his illustrious past as a player at the club would add to the pressure of his new job, Voeller replied: "Not at all. Being a footballer is the greatest job in the world, and I did that for five years here at Roma, but being a coach is a completely different thing." The German faces the difficult task of getting the team into shape for the September 12 opening of the Serie A season. "Obviously, it will be very difficult, there are several players away with their national team in the next week or so," he said. Voeller believes champions AC Milan were favourites for the title but thinks Roma are among those who can challenge them. "Last year Milan had an incredible championship and I think that they are still a rung above us," he said. "But after them I would say there are four or five teams that are capable of fighting for the title."
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