De Rossi: ‘Dybala’s decision unusual, he can play with Soulé’ | OneFootball

Daniele De Rossi admits that Paulo Dybala’s decision to reject a €25m-a-year offer is ‘unusual’ in football and insists that the Argentinean can play with his compatriot Matias Soulé.

Dybala amazed Roma fans earlier this week by rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi side Al-Qadsiah.

The Giallorossi had been pushing for the striker’s sale for financial reasons, but La Joya eventually decided to stay at the Olimpico for the final year of his contract.

“It was a thrilling situation, with highs and lows. We are sure the fans will back us tomorrow, and they would have done it anyway. So many of them renewed [season tickets] and always remained by our side. We saw the reaction that his decision triggered. He rejected a lot of money, which is unusual in football. He made this decision for the love of Roma fans and the team. I think that it’s a nice story and not so common in football,” De Rossi said at a press conference on Saturday.

It became further evident during negotiations that Roma had probably signed Matias Soulé not to play with Dybala but to replace his compatriot at the Olimpico. So, can they play together for Roma in a 4-3-3 this season?

“If they play behind a striker, it’s a 4-3-2-1,” argued De Rossi.

“The way I see 4-3-3 is with two wide men, which is tricky to ask Paulo. We’ll have to change something if he [Dybala] plays. And if he plays with Matias, he’ll have to change something, too. But they can play together. Quality players must play together. Sometimes, only one of them will start. Other times, none of them. There are other talented players here.”

If Dybala plays at least 45 minutes in 15 games separate games this season, he will automatically extend his contract until 2026. Will this have an impact on De Rossi’s decisions?

“I am the coach, and I will manage Dybala as such. I am a coach, and I won’t think about the clauses,” said DDR.

“Paulo has remained here and will be treated like every other player.

“Paulo knows what I think. Before all this became public, we often talked about our ideas,” continued the Roma boss.

“I like to speak openly to people. I did it as a footballer, too. It doesn’t mean I am always right, but at least I am at peace with myself, so people can’t say I wasn’t clear. I like to be clear with my players—not only Paulo but everyone. Sometimes, I can change my mind. He knew what I thought about that decision.”

Which other players can he deploy in attack and will Roma sign a new winger now?

“We have two wingers, Zale [Nicola Zalewski] and Stephan [El Shaarawy]. We’ll see what happens in the last few days. Joao has a bright future ahead. Balda [Baldanzi] plays more inside the pitch, and I like how he plays in the middle.

“It’s not different from what happens in other teams. If you want to sign new players, you need space, sometimes even on financial terms. Juve had to sell Soulé to buy other players. The same goes for any other team.”

De Rossi was the latest manager to complain about the transfer window being open in the opening stages of the campaign.

“The rules make it tough and confusing in the opening weeks. It’s a mess,” he said.

“We should realise it’s better to end it [the transfer window] two or three weeks before. I don’t think there are coaches or directors against this proposal. It’s not a problem just for me. Everyone is bothered.”

What’s his take on Sunday’s opponents Empoli and who will start in central midfield?

“We have to see if Paredes plays. If he does, I will choose the box-to-box midfielder, depending on Paredes’ skill sets. Bryan [Cristante] and Enzo [Le Fée] can play, or Bryan and Baldanzi, or Bove, Pisilli. We have many midfielders with similar characteristics. Cristante gives us different physicality.

“It’s never easy to study opponents because they can always change something, but we know Roberto D’Aversa and what he wants from his teams,” he continued.

“Empoli have talent, and it will be a challenging game. I am a bit upset that you haven’t talked much about our games in recent weeks. We’ve been good at isolating ourselves. It will be too late if we start thinking about Empoli at 7:30 or 8 p.m. We’ve worked hard for a game that will be very difficult.”

What about the right-back situation? Does he expect a new signing?

“Celik was a starter in the most exciting games during my tenure last season. He is a national team player. I think he won the French league with Lille. I respect him so much,” said De Rossi.

“If a new player comes, he will fight for a starting spot with him. Otherwise, we have Buba [Sangaré], who has a bright future ahead, but we must manage him well.

“The club has never asked me to freeze someone out. Sometimes, we keep players out because we know they can leave, so we don’t want them to get injured and ruin the deal. As for Rick [Karsdorp], it was my decision. I told the club he was not part of the plans. I don’t think something will change. I hope he finds space elsewhere because he’s a good player and deserves it. Small technical, tactical and behavioural factors led me to make this decision. I take responsibility for it. The club has agreed, and we’ve made this decision.”

In the end, De Rossi answered a question regarding Roma’s process for making new signings, especially Buba Sangaré, Samuel Dahl, and Enzo Le Fèe.

“I didn’t know them,” admitted De Rossi.

“Those were Florent’s coups. I watched them and gave my verdict regarding how they could adapt and fit into the team. I know a lot of players, but as a coach, I have limited knowledge. A sports director who has been working for many years knows many more. Florient highlighted these players. I knew Soulé and Dovbyk, who are a little more famous.”