Nainggolan: ‘Can’t say if Roma have improved under De Rossi’ | OneFootball

Former Roma and Inter midfielder Radja Nainggolan weighed in on Daniele De Rossi’s work in the Giallorossi dugout and Renato Sanches’ disappointing time in the capital.

De Rossi was brought in to replace Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese coach’s sacking last month. He’s overseen two matches so far, guiding the team to two 2-1 wins over Salernitana and Hellas Verona.

The former midfielder’s first real test in the Roma dugout will come on February 10th, when they host league leaders Inter. De Rossi has only signed a six-month deal with the club but an impressive spell in charge could extend his stay.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport via TMW, Nainggolan first gave his thoughts on the current state of Roma.

“They have quality players, it’s true that for the moment Daniele hasn’t faced any difficult opponents yet, I can’t say if Roma have improved in terms of play because I didn’t see the games.”

He spoke about the development of Edoardo Bove.

“He is a young boy, today he runs a lot because he is young, he is a player who promises well and in fact he always plays.”

He was asked if Paulo Dybala acted as a Francesco Totti figure to the Giallorossi squad.

“No, you have to understand what De Rossi means. Daniele spoke of a player who can make the difference, De Rossi never compared Dybala to Totti.

“What he said is intelligent because Dybala is the only one who can make the difference, he must play without too many thoughts because he can make the difference.”

Nainggolan spoke about which coaches he got on best with.

“I had a good relationship with everyone, but I got along better with Spalletti also because we all play well with him, I scored double figures with him, then you just need to look at last year’s Napoli and this year’s.”

The 35-year-old midfielder was asked if he expected more from Renato Sanches.

“I thought he was Roma’s best signing, then unfortunately he was always out. If he didn’t get injured, he would be a top-level player. I’ve met many players, some are more likely to get hurt and others aren’t, it’s something that can’t be solved.”

He reflected on his departure from Roma.

“Unfortunately, a bad thing was done to me behind my back, I no longer wanted to see his face every day (Monchi, ed.). One of the two of us had to leave and I left, if only I had known that after six months, he would’ve left… but that’s how it happened.”

He spoke about if Roma could play better under De Rossi.

“I hope so, he has important players like Dybala and Lukaku, the latter must have a team that creates chances for him, he should be used in a different way.

“Often this year he scored because he created the chances himself, then there are matches where you’re not at 100% and maybe you’re not able to perform at your best.”

Nainggolan discussed the signing of Tommaso Baldanzi.

“I don’t know if he is the right player for the future, I say that he did well at Empoli and also in the Under 21s.

“In Rome you need character, he demonstrated it in Empoli, but playing in Rome is difficult. He is a quality player, we need to see how it will go over time.”

Finally, Nainggolan discussed Roma’s coming Serie A clash with Cagliari.

“I see Cagliari in difficulty, they win one match and lose another. They lack consistency, then I hope they save themselves because they have given me so much.

“However, Roma are favourites, they have enthusiasm with De Rossi and he knows how to convey the right mentality.”