New Roma coach Daniele De Rossi reveals he sent a message to José Mourinho after his sacking and says Francesco Totti was ‘happy and surprised’ by his appointment at the Stadio Olimpico.
De Rossi held his first press conference as a Roma coach on Friday on the eve of a Serie A game against Hellas Verona.
“When a new coach comes in, new players always keep a high intensity in training. We have to see if we can keep this intensity in the long run,” the former midfielder said as quoted by VoceGiallorossa.
“The response was incredible, they have been working hard and absorbing those two or three new concepts we want to introduce. Not more, otherwise, we’ll only create a mess.”
De Rossi confirmed he spoke to another club legend, Totti, after his appointment.
“Yes, he wished me good luck, showing me happiness and wonder. I was surprised too. We’ll meet soon to spend time together, which we like to do regardless of football,” DDR replied.
The 2006 Italy World Cup winner was also in touch with Mourinho following his sacking on Tuesday.
“I texted him as he had texted me when SPAL appointed me. Now I need to focus on Roma because I had to do so many things these days. From kits to the contract and stuff that were not related to football. I am looking forward to only focusing on football.”
Roma fans are furious with club owners as they had built a solid bond with Mourinho, but De Rossi hopes they will support the team anyway. The ex-midfielder also admitted that another replacement would have received a hostile welcome.
“Surely, if they had picked a different coach, the reaction would have been different. Fans are an important part,” he said.
“Nobody will ever cancel the love the fans felt for Mourinho, but nothing prevents them from loving me, too, and continue supporting the team at the stadium. Clearly, they [club owners] didn’t choose me for my results at SPAL, but for other things. This could be a massive chance for me.
“I must start from scratch here and try to understand what does not work, but three or four days are not enough to analyse everything. I am lucky because, being a fan, I’ve already watched all the games, so I know this team well,” De Rossi continued.
“I noticed some issues by watching games. Roma didn’t play badly. They played badly in some matches, but they were good in others. Roma have had highs and lows. I have some ideas, but I can’t say them here, it would be disrespectful. Players have impressed me, I knew they were strong and I was accustomed to playing with strong players. Pisilli surprised me, he is young, a kid, but he impressed me.”
Does he feel this was the right moment to join Roma?
“Was it the right moment to reject Roma? You can’t reject Roma,” he replied.
“Like Andrea Pirlo did years ago when he accepted to coach Juventus. Some men refuse and others who jump in. It’s not about nostalgia, I would have rejected only if I thought the team was not good enough. I don’t want to make a bad impression when I am sure I will make it. I believe this team is strong and I hope the work that needs to be done will help us make a good impression and help me develop my career.”
De Rossi has signed a contract until the end of the season, meaning he must already fight for his job if he wants to remain in charge in 2024-25.
“The Friedkins were clear in terms of contract duration. I said, ‘Okay, it’s fine; just put a figure on and a Champions League bonus.’ It was due given what I represent here and the opportunity I’ve been given,” he said.
“The contract is six months long, so I’ll try to play my cards right. I’ve only asked to be treated like a coach, not like a Bandiera. They know I will fight to stay here until the end, and I think they are happy with this.”
Will he use a three or four-man defence?
“I fell in love with this job with Spalletti and then Luis Enrique. These sorts of coaches, who bring many players in attack and use a four-man defence made me fall in love,” said DDR.
“However, this team has been playing with three defenders for years, it is built to play with a three-man defence. We have tried both and we’ll decide how to play. Perhaps, we can use both and change depending on the opponent.”
De Rossi played with many footballers still in the Roma squad. How will he handle this?
“Of course, I love Pellegrini, Cristante ecc.. but there can be respect for the roles and be friends at the same time. When we enter the field, I am their coach. I think they like what they hear from me, let’s see if this will bring points.”
What does he make of Hellas Verona?
“They are a solid team that have kept a high bar despite rumours, transfers and problems at the club. They have physical players and a clear playing style. Emotion must not trick us; there could be a bad mood, but I hope not.”