Daniele De Rossi hails the arrival of Artem Dovbyk and Matias Soulé after both made their friendly debuts. ‘The players really wanted Roma, even giving up on extra money and more prestigious clubs on paper.’
The Giallorossi were in action today in Rieti and had taken the lead against Olympiacos with a Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty, cancelled out moments later by another spot-kick for the eventual 1-1 result.
“We needed to make a step forward, both in fitness levels and attitude, and it was important also to play with a crowd, because it would’ve been a problem reaching the Cagliari game without experiencing a fiery atmosphere,” De Rossi told the official Roma website.
“We pretended this friendly counted for something and the lads interpreted it well.”
This game saw summer signing Soulé in the starting XI, then Dovbyk came on at half time along with Paulo Dybala, creating the impressive trident attack we should see often this season.
“The more we go on, the more new faces I can see,” smiled the coach.
“We need that great passion around the players. Some have been sold, others forgotten, but the fans must cheer everyone on because they gave so much to this team.”
De Rossi hails Dovbyk decision
Former Girona FC striker Dovbyk said that speaking directly to owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin helped show him that Roma was the right choice for the next step in his career.
“Everyone plays their part in convincing players. The director and CEO Lina Souloukou work with the figures, I talk to the players. Every coach in the world talks to the prospective players, otherwise transfers don’t get done,” added De Rossi.
“In the situation with Dovbyk, Dan Friedkin was fundamental and we are all happy and grateful about that. We needed a player like this, he’s a very interesting prospect and will need time, but has settled in pretty quickly already.
“The great thing is that all the players who arrived really wanted Roma, even giving up on extra money and more prestigious clubs on paper.”
Roma now set off to England for a tour that will see them train and play several friendly matches, facing Coventry on August 6 and Everton on August 10.