Roma coach Daniele De Rossi says he couldn’t be happier with Lorenzo Pellegini ahead of their Europa League match with Feyenoord. The Giallorossi travel to Holland tomorrow to face the Eredivisie side for the third time in the last two years, having already beaten them in the Conference League final. Speaking in his pre-match presser, De Rossi explained what kind of match he expects and offered some updates on the status of his team:
“Pellegrini? I assess what I’ve seen since I arrived here. As a man and as a leader for his teammates, I couldn’t be happier. He continues to be an example and to improve. It’s a sign that he understands what I ask.”
“I’ve experienced many matches in Europe, both positive and negative. In fact, I’ve never lifted a European trophy,” he said. “I also remember some 7-1 defeats where we left the stadium shattered and then bounced back. An athlete’s life is also made of this, and it’s nice to rise again to play. If I have to choose a particular memory, I choose Roma-Barcelona 3-0, an unforgettable night both for the value of the opponent and for the atmosphere at the Olimpico. Then there have been many less spectacular ones, but for a certain period, we were always among the top eight teams in Europe, and I want us to return to that.”
“Mourinho? I can’t say how different I am from him. Every coach brings something of their own. I’ve studied Mourinho’s Roma a lot to know where to put my hands, and then I’ve always followed him. With Mourinho, Roma achieved excellent results in Europe, and we must take inspiration from that journey. Then every coach has their own ideas, their preferences, and puts something different.”
The Dutch side “is a team that impressed me,” explains De Rossi. “They have strength and quality. I have great respect for all their players. In the previous encounters, there has always been a great balance, even though Roma has always won, so I expect a similar match.”
