Leandro Paredes Subtle Jab at Mourinho: De Rossi's Style Better Suited for Roma Ahead of Europa League Semi-Final
Roma's Resurgence under De Rossi
Under Daniele De Rossi's guidance, Roma has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of Serie A's most formidable teams. Since his arrival in January, the Giallorossi have clinched victories in nine out of 14 league matches, positioning themselves favorably for a shot at Champions League qualification. This resurgence marks a stark departure from the team's earlier struggles under Mourinho.
Roma's European Ascent
Beyond domestic success, Roma has left an indelible mark on the European stage, navigating past formidable opponents in the Europa League. Victories over Feyenoord, Brighton, and Milan in the knockout stages have propelled Roma to the semi-finals, where they are set to face Bayer Leverkusen in a highly anticipated clash.
Paredes Praises De Rossi's Impact
Speaking to reporters, Paredes highlighted the contagious enthusiasm De Rossi has instilled within the squad and said: "The general growth, not only mine but also that of the team, is due to the enthusiasm that the coach brought us. Furthermore, his style of play suits the team better and this has made us grow.
"For me, he was already a coach when we played together. I have always been close to him, he has always treated me well. Having him as a coach is a pleasure and an honour. I hope to continue working well for him and the team.”
Roma's Bold Move: De Rossi's Triumph over Mourinho's Exit
Roma made a daring move by dismissing Jose Mourinho mid-season, but their choice has been validated by the impressive performance under Daniele De Rossi's leadership.
When Roma faces Bayer Leverkusen, all eyes will be on Xabi Alonso, the highly sought-after coach leading a formidable side. However, the spotlight should also shine on Daniele De Rossi, the former midfielder-turned-coach, who has quickly proven himself since taking over from Mourinho.
De Rossi may lack titles on his CV and an unbeaten record like Alonso's, but he has achieved something remarkable in just over three months. His success has fully justified Roma's bold decision to part ways with Mourinho and entrust the team to a relative newcomer.
Roma's Rollercoaster: From Mourinho's Arrival to Dismissal
Roma's decision to appoint Mourinho as manager in 2021 was a seismic event, but his departure was even more chaotic.
The team's performance had been dismal, culminating in a defeat to AC Milan that left them languishing in ninth place in Serie A, their worst position in over two decades. The realization that "we can't go any lower" was evident among players like Andrea Belotti.
Mourinho's dismissal came suddenly, catching both him and many others off guard. The abrupt meeting at Trigoria lasted a mere 25 minutes, leaving Mourinho visibly stunned as he departed the training center. The manner of his departure left many questioning the handling of the situation.
Capello Criticizes American Owners' Handling of Mourinho's Departure
Fabio Capello expressed dismay at the handling of Mourinho's departure by Roma's American owners, citing a lack of respect for the coach's contributions to football.
Capello highlighted the apparent disconnect between Mourinho's requests and the club's responses as a sign of discord. He criticized the manner in which Mourinho, a seasoned coach with a stellar career, was treated as if he were inexperienced.
Mourinho himself struggled to accept the decision, lamenting his absence from the Champions League. He attributed his dismissal to someone "who knows little about football," suggesting a lack of understanding from the decision-makers.
Mourinho's Constant Criticism and Complaints
While Mourinho achieved notable successes with Roma, including winning the Conference League and reaching the Europa League final, his tenure was overshadowed by consistent criticism and complaints.
Despite these achievements, Mourinho's primary objective was to secure Champions League qualification, which he failed to achieve. His constant criticism of referees, opponents, and lack of squad investment contributed to a toxic atmosphere within the club.
His behavior, particularly after the Europa League final loss, where he scapegoated officials, brought the club into disrepute. The owners, The Friedkin Group, faced criticism for not addressing Mourinho's conduct earlier.
From Negativity to Positivity: The Daniele De Rossi Effect
Dan and Ryan Friedkin made a bold decision to replace Mourinho with club legend Daniele De Rossi, entrusting him with the task of turning Roma's season around.
Despite De Rossi's limited coaching experience, his impact has been remarkable. Under his guidance, Roma has climbed from ninth to fifth in the Serie A table and reached the Europa League semi-finals.
De Rossi's tactical flexibility has been key to Roma's resurgence. While occasionally reverting to Mourinho's defensive 3-5-2 formation, he primarily employs a more attacking 4-3-3 setup, reflecting the team's shift towards a more positive style of play.
De Rossi's Belief vs. Mourinho's Criticism: The Impact on Roma's Players
In contrast, Mourinho often questioned the quality and mentality of his players, fostering a negative atmosphere within the team. De Rossi's supportive approach and offensive tactics have yielded positive results, with players responding positively to his leadership.
Former Roma player Antonio Cassano praised De Rossi's coaching, highlighting his belief in the team's strength and character. De Rossi's managerial style has brought renewed confidence and success to Roma, proving his destiny as a successful coach.
De Rossi's Impact: Pellegrini's Revival and Cristante's Approval
Antonio Cassano's critical remarks about Mourinho aside, Lorenzo Pellegrini's resurgence under Daniele De Rossi's management speaks volumes. Playing in a more advanced role, Pellegrini has flourished, attributing his newfound freedom and success to De Rossi's support and tactical adjustments.
De Rossi's unwavering support for Pellegrini, despite criticism from certain fans and Mourinho's reported feelings of betrayal, underscores the coach's leadership and loyalty to his players. Despite speculation, midfielder Bryan Cristante denies player involvement in Mourinho's departure, emphasizing the coach's responsibility in football's harsh realities.
De Rossi's seamless transition from player to coach and his adept management of the squad have proven to be the right solution for Roma. Cristante acknowledges the challenges De Rossi faced in joining the team mid-season but praises his effective management and impressive results. As Roma prepares for the Europa League semi-finals against Bayer Leverkusen, De Rossi's coaching prowess continues to impress, setting the stage for a potential upset against Xabi Alonso's side.
Despite the harshness of Mourinho's sacking, it was deemed necessary for Roma's progression.
