Serie A icon and former Roma manager Daniele de Rossi has now opened up about his sacking from the Giallorossi, making it clear that he didnโt deserve the axing.
Now at Genoa, it is ironic that it is a game against the Rossoblu that got De Rossi sacked. The Italianโs next game as manager will see him lock horns against the Giallorossi for the first time since his departure from the Stadio Olimpico.ย
He spoke to DAZN about his controversial departure that came weeks into the 2024/25 campaign. De Rossi reveals having had problems with ex-CEO Lina Souloukou, even if those issues werenโt major.
โIn my first two experiences, I had problems, in different ways, with the directors. At Spal, we cleared things up with one director, I still feel it now. In Rome, I had problems with the CEO (ย Lina Souloukou, ed.)ย , nothing sensational, but problems nonetheless. I donโt want the idea to get across that I have problems with the directors, thatโs not the case.โ
The Italian also spoke specifically about his sacking, making it clear that he and his staff didnโt deseerv to be treated the way they were.
โLooking at it now, Iโm a little sad about what happenedย . They hadย the successย I predicted.ย Iย had a clear plan:ย first year, build, second, grow, third, fight for the Scudetto.ย We werenโt crazy to bet on this group, which in my opinion is very strong.
โThe presidents hung on every word I said. Iโve always had a lot of freedom in football, they trusted me, they started asking me for things before confirming me for the next three years. Then things fell apart a bit, and Iโm sorry, but I and my staff didnโt deserve what happened.โ
He also spoke about why he hasnโt returned to Roma as manager since, even if the club was fraught with instability last season.
He said: โWas there a chance of returning to Roma? I donโt think there ever was a real possibility. They made such a clear and obvious choice,ย but I donโt think it would have been the right step for me, even though I would have obviously returned straight away because I believe in the team and the players.โ
De Rossi does appear to be quite measured in the interview, making his love for Roma clear but also doesnโt step beyond certain boundaries while expressing that affection. If anything, that defines what a real symbol he is for the Giallorossi.
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Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
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