Francesco Totti’s recent remarks about AS Roma have shed light on some internal issues at the club. The Roma legend, though no longer officially part of the organization, remains well-connected and continues to follow the team closely as a fan.
Totti highlighted a problem at Trigoria, stating, “If there’s clarity, everything becomes simpler. If what’s happening is hidden, the situation becomes more complicated.” This cryptic comment seems to allude to several behind-the-scenes issues.
Calciomercato report how one such issue revolves around the failed transfer of Tiago Djalo. The club reportedly sent back two players after medical examinations, including Djalo, who eventually signed with Porto. It’s believed that manager Daniele De Rossi was not fully convinced about Djalo’s physical condition, despite director Ghisolfi pushing the deal forward. This incident has exposed a potential rift between the coach and the new director, with reports of heated discussions between the two.
Another point of contention was the collapsed deal for Youssef En-Nesyri. The Moroccan striker was De Rossi’s top choice to replace Lukaku, and despite the player’s interest and near-agreement with Sevilla, Ghisolfi reportedly pulled out of the deal at the last moment over a difference of less than a million euros. This decision, against the manager’s wishes, further highlights the discord in transfer strategies.
Tensions have also spilled onto the training ground. After a draw with Cagliari and a home loss to Empoli, reports emerged of a physical altercation between De Rossi and player Bryan Cristante during a training session. While De Rossi downplayed the incident as “a discussion” in a pre-Juventus press conference, it adds to the sense of unrest within the club.
Totti’s comments, therefore, seem to be calling for greater transparency and alignment within Roma’s management structure. As the club navigates these internal challenges, it remains to be seen how they will impact Roma’s performance on the pitch and their long-term strategy off it.