Cristante praises Roma owners for hiring De Rossi after Mourinho

Bryan Cristante feels that hiring Daniele De Rossi was ‘the right decision’ taken by Roma owners ‘at a difficult moment.’

The Italy international spoke at a press conference on Wednesday on the eve of a Europa League knockout playoff second-leg tie against Feyenoord.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in the Netherlands last week and the Giallorossi will host their rivals at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.

“We must thank the fans for this atmosphere, and the only way to do it is to win and qualify,” said Cristante as quoted by TMW.

Cristante was mainly deployed as a playmaker by José Mourinho, but De Rossi is now using the Italy international as a Mezzala, practically a box-to-box midfielder.

“I can play both roles, and experience helps but I think I can satisfy requests in both positions,” said Cristante.

“I’ve been here for many years and I am happy. I am focused and I want to reach the team’s targets. I don’t feel the need to leave. You know how football is, but I don’t feel the desire to leave.”

Cristante had worked with De Rossi during Euro 2020 when DDR was one of Roberto Mancini’s assistants.

“The coach didn’t need to be introduced when he arrived. It could have been tough to join the team in a difficult moment and work with footballers he had played with, but he’s been managing the group well and it should not be taken for granted,” said Cristante.

“We are happy with what we are building and who we are becoming. It’s proving to be the right solution. It was a decision made by the club owners at a difficult moment.

“We have built self-awareness in European games,” continued the Italian midfielder.

“We know which choice to make in key moments. We’ll need all our experience to qualify.”

Roma reached the Europa League Final last season. Do they have the same target in 2023-24?

“Of course, it is our objective and we have a chance to make it,” Cristante replied.

“We are happy with the coach. We want to go back to the final and win it.”