Sabatini reflects on Luis Enrique era: tactical dominance overshadowed by Totti situation
Opinion·12 May 2026·55d ago

Sabatini reflects on Luis Enrique era: tactical dominance overshadowed by Totti situation

Source: Forza Roma

Walter Sabatini, Roma's former sporting director, has discussed his decision to appoint Luis Enrique as head coach, revealing how he discovered the then-Barcelona B manager through agent Dario Canovi. Sabatini sent scouts Frederic Massara and Pasquale Sensibile to observe Barcelona's youth side, and later travelled to meet Enrique in person alongside Franco Baldini. He described the appointment as revolutionary, noting that Enrique was only 41 years old and largely unknown as a Serie A prospect, despite being a well-regarded coach.

Sabatini emphasized the positive impact Enrique had on Roma's football culture, stating: "His arrival was a blessing, and I'm not referring to results. He didn't have luck there (Roma finished seventh, outside Europe). What he brought was a new, revolutionary work culture." Senior players like Daniele De Rossi and Nicolás Burdisso reportedly told Sabatini they felt they were learning to play football for the first time. However, Sabatini acknowledged that results did not materialize. He attributed this partly to Enrique's principled decision-making, noting that the coach made radical tactical decisions, including benching Francesco Totti and other established players in a Europa League match to favour players from pre-season preparations.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Sabatini su Luis Enrique: “Con lui dominavamo le partite. Pagò la questione Totti” - Forzaroma.info Forzaroma.infoI migliori video scelti dal nostro canaleforzaroma news as roma Sabatini su Luis Enrique: “Con lui dominavamo le partite. Pagò la questione Totti”news as romaSabatini su Luis Enrique:…

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