Yahoo Sports Juric: ‘Roma players sad for De Rossi, found out about CEO on TV’
New coach Ivan Juric acknowledges Roma players were ‘very sad’ at Daniele De Rossi’s dismissal and reveals he found out the club’s CEO had resigned by watching it on television.
It was the ideal debut for the new coach, as they swept surprise Serie A leaders Udinese aside 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Artem Dovbyk opened the scoring, Paulo Dybala earned and converted a penalty before the Ukrainian assisted Tommaso Baldanzi’s first goal in the Giallorossi jersey.
It was their first win of the season, but was played in a very strange atmosphere, as for the first 30 minutes the Curva Sud was empty in protest at Daniele De Rossi’s dismissal.
That shock decision, and Juric’s appointment, came on Wednesday, then today Roma CEO Lina Souloukou tended her resignation.
“We did well, especially in the first half, whereas after the break we started losing our shape every now and then. It was a good response from the team,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.
Despite the first victory of the season, the Roma fans still jeered the players at the final whistle, with particular ire reserved for Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante.
“All I know is that when I arrived, the players were very honest with me that they were sad about De Rossi’s dismissal. I appreciate that, because at times players can try to hide it, but you could see how sad they were. They had given their all and still did not get good results.
“I think we worked well over the last few days, there are some concepts that they can apply without too many difficulties, especially the ones they did last season. Even the players who got jeered might be able to change the mood.
“These lads were really disappointed at the sacking and want to give their all for Roma.”
Roma changing under Juric
Juric said that when he was hired, the club had asked him to qualify for the Champions League, so how far can he take this team?
“We’ll have to see how much we can hold out, the initial response was great. I think these players are capable of playing this style of football, we have a lot of new faces who need to catch up. I am asking for new concepts that some understand straight away, some need a little more time, that is normal.
“I ask for pressing, aggression, controlling the game and moving the ball around well. This is only the first game, we’ll see everyone over the next two weeks.”
Roma have in the last few years varied between a three-man defence and four, whether under Jose Mourinho, De Rossi or now Juric.
“With Mourinho they defended with four and tried to build from the back with three. They were more accustomed to certain situations. We hope to get Nicola Zalewski recovered soon too, as I will have more options for the wing-backs then.”
Zalewski had been frozen out a couple of weeks ago for refusing to make the transfer to Galatasaray, but has been negotiating for a new contract and should be welcomed back into the squad.
As a sign of how chaotic the club has become, Juric was asked when he found out that CEO Souloukou had resigned.
“I found out through watching Sky, we were having lunch. I am sad because there was a family issue, children always come first and this is a really very difficult moment for her. We must focus on training well, playing good football and giving our fans something to celebrate. The rest is down to others.”
It had been reported yesterday that Souloukou had asked for police protection for her family after threats from some of the more disturbed fringes of the Roma ultras.
