Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis believes Luciano Spalletti became “a better Coach and person” in Russia.
The tactician won two Russian titles with Zenit St Petersburg, but was removed from his position in March 2014, before returning to Roma this January.
Speaking to Pagine Romanista, De Sanctis was asked about the difference between Spalletti and previous Coach Rudi Garcia.
“The biggest difference is definitely that when a Coach is changed, the players come into question,” the ‘keeper pointed out.
Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis believes Luciano Spalletti became “a better Coach and person” in Russia.
The tactician won two Russian titles with Zenit St Petersburg, but was removed from his position in March 2014, before returning to Roma this January.
Speaking to Pagine Romanista, De Sanctis was asked about the difference between Spalletti and previous Coach Rudi Garcia.
“The biggest difference is definitely that when a Coach is changed, the players come into question,” the ‘keeper pointed out.
“A load of excuses disappear, which maybe had built up with the previous management. So that helps you to achieve important results like we’ve been doing recently.
“As for Spalletti, he’s a Coach I worked with for three-and-a-half years at Udinese, so I know him very well, he’s very well-prepared technically and tactically.
“Among other things, I think he’s been able to have an immediate impact on this team for two particular reasons.
“The first is that because he knows the club so well, so he knows the strengths and weaknesses.
“The second is down to the path his career has taken with some internationalisation i.e going to work abroad, in Russia, a major League.
“He worked to win, and he won – that definitely made him a better Coach and person. I can see that he’s absolutely and even more complete Coach than the one I knew before.
“Garcia did great things in Rome, but clearly the results at the end condemned him. I also take some personal responsibility for the dismissal of Garcia, as every player in the squad has to, to a greater or lesser degree.
“When you start with a Coach and then don’t make it all the way through the season with them, that means that it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
At 39, De Sanctis is one of the veterans of the squad, and he spoke about the contract situation of club captain Francesco Totti, as well as his own.
“I’m a bit younger than Francesco!
“I can’t answer for Francesco of course, you’d have to ask him about these things. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a matter of feeling good in training above all, as well as in the dressing room, not having injury problems…
“That has a big effect on being able to continue such a physical activity at this age. The fact of being at a big club helps you maintain high levels too.
“These are the things that count, that’s the consideration you make when you decide whether to continue playing and feeling important.
“Francesco can speak for himself better than anyone else, but I’m absolutely convinced that the question which is dragging on over his renewal will have a solution which is in the interest of Roma first and foremost, given both he and [President James] Pallotta are working on it.
“As for myself, we’re getting near to the end of the season, and like happened last year when I was in more or less the same condition I’ve talked to the club.
“Physically I’m fine, I’m in shape and I’m enthusiastic so I’ve given my availability to the club to continue as a player.
“As is so often the way, the club has to consider a number of factors, then they’ll let me know if I’ll have the opportunity to continue at Roma or not.
“There’s no hurry. I’m sure I want to continue as a player and I’d like to do that at Roma, so we’ll see how the situation evolves.”