Bryan Cristante denies Roma players plotted against José Mourinho, leading to his sacking in January and feels Daniele De Rossi must remain at the Stadio Olimpico beyond the summer.
The Italy international released an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport two days before a Serie A match against Lecce at the Stadio Via De Mare.
Cristante faced three questions about Mourinho, given that several sources in Italy have reported that the Special One was sacked in January also because part of the team no longer backed the Portuguese.
“None of it is true. That’s how football works. When things don’t go well, the coach is the first one to leave even if he’s not the only guilty one,” said Cristante.
So, is it not true that Roma owners received approval from the players before sacking the Special One?
“Another false thing. Believe me. We learned what was happening when Mourinho was informed in the morning.”
Did the Mourinho era end when Roma lost the Europa League Final last season?
“It wasn’t only that. Many little things didn’t work,” Cristante replied.
“Personally, I thought about the final for a couple of days, then I started focusing on the future.”
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti did not call Cristante up due to a minor physical problem, but he’ll be available against Lecce.
“The break was useful for recovering from a back problem, so I didn’t play for Italy. Now I am ready for the final part of the season,” the midfielder said.
“I am not a player who usually gets his name on the scoresheet or provides assists. My characteristics are less visible or spectacular, but I’ve always earned what I have.”
What’s his relationship with the Roma fans?
“At the beginning, we struggled to love each other, but I think they appreciate me now.”
Cristante is a product of Milan Academy and made his senior debut with the Rossoneri, who are Roma’s next opponents in the Europa League.
“I was 16 and I was lucky to work with the old guard,” said the midfielder.
“Ibra, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Thiago Silva. If you have the desire, it is fundamental to learn from certain champions to mature.”
Is Gianluca Mancini his best friend at Roma?
“Gianluca and Leonardo Spinazzola, because we all come from Atalanta and we grew up together. There’s real friendship that goes beyond the pitch.”
Cristante played with De Rossi for one season at Roma and the former midfielder has now become his coach.
“I’ll forever be grateful to Daniele, who mentioned me as an example at his farewell press conference as a Roma player. He is doing incredible things as a coach and it was not guaranteed given the tough context,” said Cristante.
How does he call De Rossi at Trigoria?
“‘Mister’ but if we are having a coffee at the bar, it may happen to call him Daniele.”
What’s Cristante’s stance on the Roma squad?
“It is strong and must stay in the top four,” he said.
“The target is to return to the Champions League, we can’t hide ourselves. We haven’t played with the best for too long.”
So, why haven’t they played in Europe’s elite competition since 2019?
“For many reasons, don’t forget that the owners have changed. It’s hard to understand that perspectives have changed with the Friedkins.
“You don’t reach two consecutive European finals by chance. The owners have been very close to us lately, directly or through CEO Lina Souloukou. We don’t feel abandoned, and we should thank them for their courageous decision on De Rossi.”
Should De Rossi remain beyond the summer?
“We’re doing well…”
Does it mean he should stay?
“Yes.”
How about Cristante’s future, does he see a long-term future at the Olimpico?
“That’s what I have in mind. I have three years left in my contract and the club is going in the right direction. We can see we have great potential if we connect the dots.”
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