Former Roma manager Luciano Spalletti shared his thoughts on the much talked about managerial appointment of Daniele De Rossi at Roma.
The current Italy coach discussed De Rossi’s career and leadership instincts in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“When I first met him, he was just a kid. He was extraordinary, because he had a real sense of what it means to be a team. He had strong feelings towards his teammates, he fought for them. I don’t remember a single match, or a single moment of a match, in which he failed from this point of view.”
“He’s generous, a sensitive champion: sometimes he lost sight of himself, but he never lost sight of Roma.”
“In order to get off to a good start he will need to watch out for those that like to scare beginners like him. He’ll be reminded of his lack of experience every five minutes or so. People will keep telling him it’s too soon, he’s not good enough.”
“I don’t know which Roma we will see with De Rossi in charge, they certainly have a good team. And I will follow him carefully, because he has several players who interest me for the national team.”
“When we resume our tour of training camps all over Italy, one of the first ones we will visit will be Roma’s.”
“I think it’s a shame I will not be able to meet with Mourinho, but I will be happy to see De Rossi. I know well the horsepower that Daniele has inside, the hope is that they can give further energy to the engine of our Serie A.”
“He knows the environment perfectly, with Francesco [Totti] he has often taken on great responsibilities in complicated situations. The fans will love him, as they loved Mou. And Daniele will really be able to try to fulfill a dream: his Roma throughout his life as a footballer, his Roma throughout his life as a coach.”