Roma manager Daniele De Rossi downplayed the suggestion of a contract extension, despite beating Brighton 4-0 in the first leg of the round of 16. Goals from Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini ensured an emphatic victory at the Olimpico, putting the Giallorossi firmly on course for the next round:
Speaking with Sky Sport, De Rossi began by talking about the distinctive change to the team since he took over from Jose Mourinho:
“How do you change a team in fifty days? It’s a bit embarrassing if you ask me… (laughs). I haven’t done anything extraordinary; everything has fallen into place nicely, and I’m extremely happy. But the players I found here are strong, I told them from day one, we’re winning the matches we need to win. We’re a strong team, so we win matches, nothing special. In 2024, you have to run a lot to play any kind of football, I try to push them hard, and the players always respond on the field.”
Regarding the future and talks of renewal, De Rossi dismisses them, stating, “Phone calls for a renewal? These discussions have nothing to do with me. I know you’re starting now; I know this city. It’s the last of my concerns; I’m doing a job I love, in a place I love, with satisfactions I didn’t know I could have in such a short time.”
Reflecting on tactical aspects of the match, De Rossi commented, “On the left, there was a significant gap between Spinazzola and Buonanotte; he had been in excellent condition lately, and we were convinced we could create and score goals starting from that side. Courageous team? These matches must be prepared by respecting the opponent; Roberto’s teams always know what to do. It seems like he’s done a masterpiece, but perhaps the result is too wide, and our goalkeeper was good. Nobody is ever perfect, but today the boys were fantastic, even in physical effort, including Lukaku and Dybala off the ball. Without this kind of attitude in these matches, you risk capsizing.”
The Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, speaking after the victory, praised De Rossi’s impact on the team, saying, “Difficult to explain, he has very good ideas, he even surprised me, he is a very positive person and helps the team believe in itself. When does he get angry? Well, a coach has to do it at the right moments. For now, let’s keep going like this.”
In conclusion, Svilar also praised the contribution of Rui Patricio, stating, “He’s a great man, a top person, he works hard in training even when he’s not playing and is helping to create a great atmosphere.”
