Former Roma President Rosella Sensi insists she would not have sacked Zdenek Zeman. “I would’ve stuck with Vincenzo Montella last season.”
Former Roma President Rosella Sensi insists she would not have sacked Zdenek Zeman. “I would’ve stuck with Vincenzo Montella last season.”
Zeman was fired on Saturday after a 4-2 home defeat to Cagliari and technical coach Aurelio Andreazzoli promoted as Caretaker Coach.
“I don’t think the statistics justify Zeman’s sacking,” Sensi told Rai Sport. “I don’t know the internal goings on, but history says Zeman should always be protected and supported to the end. I certainly wouldn’t have fired him.
“I would’ve stuck with Montella last season rather than hiring Luis Enrique, as a project made of young players should have continued with him. My father always said a Coach should be supported to the end.”
Sensi was also disappointed with the way Roma handled the affair, as director Walter Sabatini warned days before the dismissal that they were considering a change.
“You wash your dirty laundry behind closed doors. A Coach must always be protected when dealing with the squad.
“Andreazzoli is a great professional, who is quiet but always present. He was decisive in organisation during Luciano Spalletti’s reign, so I hope he can work well now.”
Among the reasons behind Zeman’s exit was his refusal to field Daniele De Rossi in the starting XI.
“Daniele has a strong personality and is also very sensitive, so he’s difficult to explain. In order to perform to his best, he has to feel a certain way. I’m not saying he had to be central to the project, but something was lacking and he felt demotivated.”
Sensi was a native Roman and the daughter of former President Franco Sensi, but many fans have since complained that the American owners are too detached from the day-to-day club affairs.
“The owners of Roma have to be a reference point for fans and players. They make the decisions and must ensure their presence is felt,” continued Sensi.
“You need passion to lead Roma. I hope President James Pallotta will have that when he comes here, but right now he is too far away.
“I was criticised a few years ago for renewing Francesco Totti’s contract, as people said we were giving him a ‘gift’ to someone who was practically part of the family. Time has proved me right, as now he plays even better.”