De Rossi reflects on dismissal: 'I felt beaten by my enemies'

Daniele De Rossi has reflected on his dismissal from Roma, which came unexpectedly following a draw with Genoa in 2024. Speaking to Cronache Di Spogliatoio, the former manager said: "When I was sacked from Roma I was absolutely furious. I had my enemies and felt beaten in a battle I never had time to fight, but I never wanted to show that I was bitter about it. I only did it once, in a press conference at Spal, and I regretted it. I worked hard on these things." De Rossi revealed the emotional toll of derbies against Lazio during his playing career, describing physical illness before those matches. He addressed the nature of his Roma departure with perspective, stating: "My story with Roma was not perfect, but it didn't deserve an ending with lingering resentment. There is a time and place for everything: if I had wanted to say something, I should have done it when I was still there." De Rossi managed Roma in 2024–25 before being dismissed by the Friedkin Group after just four matches.

Nearly two years after his dismissal following a draw against Genoa in 2024, Daniele De Rossi has opened up about the end of his spell as Roma head coach. Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, the former manager described the emotional toll of the decision and his struggle to accept it. De Rossi did not hide his frustration at the time: "When I was sacked by Roma I was furious. I had my 'enemies' and felt defeated in a battle I never had time to fight, but I never wanted to show I was bitter about it. I only did that once, in a press conference at SPAL, and I regretted it. I worked hard on these things." The former captain revealed that derby matches against Lazio were uniquely difficult throughout his career, exerting pressure in a way no other fixture could. "In my career I never suffered any match… except the derbies. Before facing Lazio I would spend three days in the bathroom vomiting, with Dacourt holding my head," he recalled. De Rossi explained his decision to avoid fuelling controversy after his departure, saying his relationship with Roma, though imperfect, did not deserve a bitter ending. "There is a moment and a place for everything: if I had wanted to say something, I should have done it when I was still there," he said.

AS Roma has completed its organisational structure for the 2026–27 campaign by announcing Mirko Manfrè as the new head of the club's youth academy. The appointment forms part of Roma's wider planning for the upcoming season and reflects the club's commitment to developing young talent from its academy ranks. Manfrè's role oversees the academy's foundational activity, with the club simultaneously announcing the coaching staff who will lead various age groups through the new season. The structural appointments underscore Roma's focus on nurturing emerging players within the Giallorossi system as the club continues to build for the future.