Capello: ‘Some Roma players didn’t take Mourinho’s messages well , De Rossi credible’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello believes some Roma players ‘didn’t take well’ José Mourinho’s messages, while Daniele De Rossi is ‘credible’ and is ‘tactically ready’ to remain in charge beyond the summer.

De Rossi’s Roma beat Milan in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday and have climbed up the Serie A table since the ex-midfielder replaced Mourinho in January.

DDR had made his senior Roma debut as a footballer under Capello and the ex-Italian coach praised his pupil in his latest interview with Gazzetta.

“De Rossi was a midfielder with superior tactical intelligence, and his results on the bench are not surprising.”

Has Capello inspired De Rossi as a coach?

“I like to think so even if a player takes inspiration from all the coaches he’s had,” argued the former Roma boss.

“I learned from Herrera, Liedholm and Fabbri. Daniele worked with Spalletti, Lippi and many others.

“De Rossi is pragmatic, his Roma side play more games inside a game, like the other day against Milan. It’s clear that he’s very smart tactically and that he studies and he studied Milan very well.”

The second leg against Milan will be played on Thursday, April 18, at the Stadio Olimpico, and sales of Europa League tickets for the decider in Rome are going fast.

“I think Daniele was excellent in giving confidence, involving all the players and being credible,” continued Capello.

“Of course, he was lucky to have a soft start in terms of opponents, but he’s built the group’s strength with those convincing results, becoming the leader.”

Lorenzo Pellegrini seems reborn since DDR replaced Mou.

“Everyone can see it and in fact, somebody has evil thoughts and remembers how they played under Mou,” noted Capello.

“I don’t think it’s only Pellegrini. Think about Celik, De Rossi revitalised him. Or Svilar on goal. It all begins when you are credible inside the dressing room. If you are, then footballers follow you. El Shaarawy played a great game on the right against Milan despite feeling more at ease on the left. He understood the team needed his sacrifice and this is thanks to the coach.”

Why didn’t it happen with Mourinho?

“I don’t know exactly, but I guess communication had a role too. Roma didn’t do well in Lecce and De Rossi said he wasn’t satisfied. The message was ‘you can do better than this’. On the other hand, Mourinho often criticised the team’s quality and perhaps something didn’t take it well.

“Now Roma bring more players inside the opponents’ box because the wingers and Pellegrini are more involved.”

So, should De Rossi stay at the Olimpico beyond the summer?

“Tactically, he is ready, but be careful because the season’s management is different when you start the campaign.”