Walter Sabatini says that the criticism aimed at Kevin Strootman for his part in Roma’s conceded equaliser at CSKA Moscow is ‘disrespectful’.
Walter Sabatini says that the criticism aimed at Kevin Strootman for his part in Roma’s conceded equaliser at CSKA Moscow is ‘disrespectful’.
In the final minute of stoppage time, the midfielder lost possession in the middle of the park, which eventually led to the Russian hosts drawing level for a 1-1 result in Tuesday’s Champions League group stage meeting.
For the club’s sporting director, scrutiny on Strootman in the aftermath has been misguided.
“I think it is disrespectful to the player and to Rudi Garcia,” Sabatini has told Roma Radio.
“He must recover his fitness by playing in relevant games, not when we are 3-0 at home.
“He did two or three important things, he missed a pass to Iturbe and from there was a development of the goal from the opposition, from five-to-six moves of the ball. It is not that he scored an own goal.
“I encourage everyone to reflect on some words that are excessive and offensive towards a high level professional.
“When I saw the substitution I agreed with the Coach, or rather had hoped that he could play in a game like that. He just missed a ball. We could have intervened with other players in other areas of the pitch.
“De Sanctis? He made a remark on tactics, but immediately went back on that by assuming his responsibilities with an act of courage, by making note of his spontaneity.”