De Rossi Contradicts His Predecessor Mourinho

Daniele De Rossi disagrees with his predecessor José Mourinho, who claimed that the players of AS Roma lack personality. The coach of AS Roma is actually very pleased with the characters in his squad.

SoccerDino, Website Writer
Published: 11:28, 29 Jan 2024

The recent shift in management at AS Roma, marked by Daniele De Rossi taking the helm from José Mourinho, has brought a notable change in the team's performance and morale. 

Since De Rossi's appointment in mid-January, AS Roma has experienced a resurgence, winning both a league game against Hellas Verona and a friendly against Al Shabab. This contrasted with the team's previous performance under Mourinho, where they secured only six victories in sixteen matches, a period characterized by Mourinho as reflective of the squad's lack of personality.

De Rossi, a revered figure in the club’s history, offered a contrasting view to Mourinho's critique. During a press event before the upcoming match against Salernitana, De Rossi emphasized the presence of personality and character within his squad. He challenged Mourinho's perspective, suggesting that the previous coach's perception of fear in the players' eyes was a subjective observation, one that he, De Rossi, did not share.

Highlighting the achievements of players like Cristante and Spinazzola, who were part of Italy's European Championship-winning team, De Rossi underscored the proven track record and resilience of his players. He praised their 'bandit mentality,' a reference to the grit and audacity he values in footballers, especially in challenging or 'ugly' matches where such attributes can be decisive in clinching vital points.

AS Roma, currently positioned eighth in the Serie A standings, is set to face Salernitana, the team at the bottom of the league. This upcoming match, scheduled for 20:45 on Monday, presents an opportunity for Roma to continue their positive trajectory under De Rossi's leadership. It also offers a chance to demonstrate the character and personality De Rossi adamantly believes exists within his team, potentially proving that the issues under Mourinho were not as deep-rooted as previously thought.

This situation at AS Roma is a vivid example of how managerial changes can influence a football team's performance and morale, highlighting the impact of leadership style and perception on the players' confidence and on-field results.

Updated: 11:28, 29 Jan 2024