Former Roma defender Candela heaps praise on De Rossi after Mourinho ‘mistakes’

Former Roma defender Vincent Candela was full of praise for Daniele De Rossi and the work he has done with Roma after replacing Jose Mourinho in January, also insisting that the Special One did make mistakes at the Stadio Olimpico, despite leading the club to their first major European trophy.

Mourinho was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Giallorossi on January 16, roughly six months before his three-year contract was due to expire. Former club captain De Rossi was called in as his replacement later the same day.

Roma have gone on to win all four of their matches since the change in the dugout, including three statement victories in Serie A and a mid-season friendly against Al-Shabab on January 24.

Roma’s 4-0 league win over Cagliari on Monday evening, which included goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini, a double from Paolo Dybala and a fourth from Dean Huijsen, was particularly pleasing for Candela, who believes that the mood around the camp has improved since De Rossi took over.

“They are breathing in a different atmosphere in Rome, there is more energy, more enthusiasm. Daniele is doing well, working on the pitch and on the (team’s) mindset,” Candela told Retesport, reported via TMW.

“I don’t care any more about what happened in the past, I understand the comments and opinions of lots of fans. Mourinho won a title, he came close to a second, but he made some mistakes.

“Now, it’s only the Roma of today that matters, what they produce on the pitch and what they can do with their next challenges, starting with Inter.”

Roma will host the Serie A league leaders, Inter, at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening, kicking off at 17.00 GMT.

“The wins are important, they are never taken for granted, even though De Rossi is right in saying they happened against teams who Roma should be beating on paper.

“He has brought back a sense of belonging, everyone now seems able to give 300% and on that foundation, they could build something special.”

“The victories are important, they are never taken for granted even if De Rossi is right when he says that they happened against teams that were within reach on paper. He has brought back a sense of belonging, everyone now seems to be able to give 300% and on this basis something important can be built.”