Daniele De Rossi elucidates the contrasting dynamics of assuming the role of coach for AS Roma in the derby against Lazio as opposed to his tenure as a player, while concurrently abstaining from prognosticating about the future trajectory of his coaching career. He articulates a sense of temporal distortion during the match, remarking that it seemed as though time had become interminable.
With 31 previous encounters in this fixture as a player, De Rossi’s record includes 14 victories, seven draws, and 10 defeats, with two goals to his credit. Notably, his final Derby della Capitale appearance transpired in 2019, where, as captain, he suffered a 3-0 defeat, imbuing this coaching debut with a restorative significance.
Reflecting on the distinctive pressures of coaching versus playing, De Rossi delineates the amplified weight of defeat borne by a coach, underscoring the palpable strain experienced on the touchline. Despite the jubilation of securing victory, he humbly acknowledges the primacy of the players’ celebration with the Curva Sud supporters.
Furthermore, De Rossi candidly appraises his team’s performance in a recent draw against Lecce, identifying deficiencies in their gameplay and assuming responsibility for rectifying them. He emphasizes the imperative of maintaining a consistent standard of play, akin to the intensity exhibited in the derby, across all fixtures.
De Rossi’s tenure as coach has yielded commendable results, albeit tempered by occasional setbacks, prompting a perpetual reassessment of the team’s strengths and areas for improvement. Notably, he eschews false modesty, attributing his success to the caliber of players under his charge while steadfastly endeavoring to augment their capabilities.
Despite his revered status among fans stemming from his illustrious playing career, De Rossi avows his preference for equitable treatment and scrutiny as a coach, eschewing preferential treatment predicated on past achievements.
Resolute in his focus on the present, De Rossi dismisses conjecture about his future prospects, preferring instead to savor the momentary triumphs. His attention is firmly fixed on the upcoming Europa League quarter-final clash against Milan, with a self-imposed embargo on scouting future opponents until their imminent encounter.