Daniele De Rossi has opened up about his time as head coach of Roma, admitting that ‘maybe it was too early’ and that ‘it could happen again one day’ but that he hopes new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini can ‘last a long time like he did at Atalanta.’
ROME, ITALY – MAY 19: Daniele De Rossi, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between AS Roma and at Stadio Olimpico on May 19, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
De Rossi: Roma return? ‘Maybe one day’
Speaking to SkySport, De Rossi said: “My last farewell with the Friedkins was very positive, despite our mutual disappointment. I feel gratitude towards them and have good memories. Do I dream of returning to Roma? Maybe it happened too early and so it could happen again one day, but I hope Gasperini lasts a long time like he did at Atalanta and enjoys the same satisfaction.”
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The Italian spent around eight months in the capital as the head coach of the club he gave 19 years of his life to as a player. He was appointed by Roma in the January of 2024, after Jose Mourinho was sacked.
In his time as head coach, De Rossi helped the Giallorossi reach the semi-finals of the Europa League but a poor start to the 2024-25 season saw him dismissed after just four games.
Roma’s Italian head coach Daniele De Rossi reacts during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Roma at Allianz Stadium in Turin, on September 1, 2024. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
De Rossi opens up on Gasperini and Monza links
On the topic of new Roma head coach Gasperini, De Rossi was full of praise: “I didn’t expect to be called back in the summer. The decision to appoint Gasperini is strong and positive for both the club and the city.”
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When asked if he was close to becoming head coach at Monza, and his next steps as a coach, the Italian revealed: “I can say that I was never close to Monza, despite my ties to Baldissoni and Burdisso. I had a few conversations with other clubs – it’s not about the division. There are some places I’d love regardless of the league.”
