Former Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco has weighed in on the Rick Karsdorp situation and given his thoughts on Jose Mourinho’s squad.
The Giallorossi sit 7th in the Serie A table heading into the World Cup break, struggling to show their best without new star Paulo Dybala. Recent results have seen tensions rise and Mourinho took aim at Karsdorp when speaking to the media recently, indirectly calling him unprofessional and suggesting he leave Roma in January.
Speaking to TMW, Di Francesco first recalled his relationship with Karsdorp and the ongoing drama with Mourinho.
“Let’s make this clear: I didn’t have a fierce argument with the player, I made a technical choice to give him a signal. I also did it with other players, I left him in the stands to make him understand that he had to work in a different way.
“Karsdorp is a guy like many others, I can’t go into the situation with Mourinho because I don’t know what they said to each other or what happened. All I can say is that he’s a good guy, maybe he has alternated good games with not so good ones.
“With me he had a serious knee injury that led him to have an inconsistent performance, but in recent years he has grown a lot, I think he is a very good player.”
He gave his thoughts on the Giallorossi’s work on the pitch this season.
“I think Roma last year were less good in the table, they alternated good games with less good ones, they lack a bit in quality of build-up and play and even the other night they showed that they can’t do without Dybala, who can’t play every game in the league.
“Roma in the table I think have the points they deserve. Everyone brings home what they show on the pitch, there is a long pause but today Roma deserve what they have.”
The Italian coach touched on which team has surprised him this season.
“It’s too easy to say Napoli. From the point of view also of the beauty of the game and the consistency of results, even in Europe.”
Finally, Di Francesco discussed which coaches he’s keeping a close eye on.
“I’m following all the coaches a bit. Mourinho also has qualities in terms of communication and strategy, I have said that in the past.
“Some mistakes I’ve made, he hasn’t made them. Tactically everyone has his own way of thinking, but I welcome that, if we were all the same it would be a disaster.”
Roma’s first game back after the World Cup break is against Thiago Motta’s Bologna on January 4. Mourinho will be hoping to see a fully fit Dybala for the second half of the season.