Paulo Dybala confirms Roma players benefited from Daniele De Rossi’s arrival and want him to stay on as coach ahead of the ‘big’ Europa League quarter-final with Milan.
The first leg of the all-Italian semi-final kicks off on Thursday at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
It is the first time these sides have faced off in Europe, although naturally they are old rivals in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
“We are going through a positive moment with confidence, naturally winning the derby helps you prepare during the week with more joy and relaxation,” said Dybala in his press conference.
“Facing a game like this against Milan is a big test for us to see where we are, after the progress made since the coach arrived, how we are playing, what he asks of us and what we are giving him. It’s going to be a fascinating match to participate in.”
Moving on from Mourinho
Roma reached the Europa League Final last season, losing on penalties to Sevilla, and the year before that won the Conference League.
However, Jose Mourinho was sacked in January just days after a 3-1 Serie A defeat to Milan and the team has gone from strength to strength under De Rossi.
“Compared to the other coaches I worked with, Daniele is just starting out, as my previous coaches were Max Allegri and Jose Mourinho, who won many trophies.
“However, seeing the way he works every day, what he gives to the players, how he raises the enthusiasm, that shows he has what it takes to reach the level of Allegri and Mourinho.”
Dybala was asked about next season, both for his future and that of coach De Rossi, as there is still a release clause in his contract.
“I get along really well with Daniele. Some choices do not depend on me, or him, it is up to the club. We are all very happy with how he is doing, you can all see the results we’ve achieved with him and we’d love to keep working with him.
“As for me, I would need to speak to the club and understand their plans for the future, but this is not the moment for that. We have big matches coming up, everyone knows what competition we want to be in next season.”
Lorenzo Pellegrini and Leandro Paredes are among the players who are flourishing under De Rossi’s tactics compared to the more defensive-minded Mourinho.
“The coach gives me freedom to roam and find the spaces I can on the pitch. Naturally, his style of football benefited everyone, as we have those with quality who can play one or two-touch football. Having more of the ball, we also have a better chance of scoring and the statistics improve for everyone.”
Dybala was asked about his fitness levels following the recurring muscular issues that have been troubling him all season.
“I feel very good right now, I trained well this week and it’s up to the coach how much I play. I try to give my best every day, on and off the field, to talk to the younger players and the captain, trying to improve.
“I knew the coach a little bit before, everyone knows him at Roma and he knows better than anyone what the fans want. So I doubt there is anyone better to fire up the squad for the upcoming games and to prepare for them in the best way.”
The Argentina international won the World Cup in 2022, but was in tears at the Europa League Final defeat.
“Losing a Final is the worst feeling in football. I’ve won many and lost many too. I think our journey to that Final was wonderful, we were very close to winning it on the night and that team would’ve remained in history for Roma.
“Unfortunately, I also lost a Champions League Final at Juventus and that felt the same. The good thing is that football always gives you a chance to make up for it.”
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