De Rossi fears Leverkusen: 'Alonso might well be the best coach in the world'

The narrative of the upcoming Europa League semifinal is as much about the coaches as it is about the teams.

Daniele De Rossi and Xabi Alonso, two contemporary legends of European football, find themselves at similar junctures in their careers, transitioning from being top-tier controlling midfielders to budding tactical masterminds on the sidelines. At 40, De Rossi leads AS Roma with a steady hand, while 42-year-old Alonso has quickly made his mark with Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso, in particular, has impressed in his debut season as a manager. Not only has he guided Leverkusen to a national championship, but his team also remains undefeated across all competitions, a testament to his strategic acumen and the quality of his squad. Leverkusen's style of play under Alonso is characterized by dynamic movement and a possession-oriented approach, making them a formidable opponent in European competitions.

During his press conference, De Rossi expressed both admiration and apprehension. "There is plenty to be afraid of," he admitted, noting Leverkusen's aggressive playing style and their impressive run of undefeated games. De Rossi highlighted Alonso's role in this success, suggesting that Alonso might be "perhaps the best in the world" given how he has transformed Leverkusen into a powerhouse that competes with relentless intensity and skill.

De Rossi also pointed out Leverkusen’s resilience, a quality that has defined Alonso's tenure. "Another thing to respect is that they have remained undefeated despite often falling behind," De Rossi noted. This resilience Leverkusen's ability to come back and win or draw in challenging circumstances speaks volumes about the mental and physical conditioning Alonso has instilled in his players.

However, De Rossi made it clear that his Roma side possesses similar qualities of endurance and determination. "We have also scored frequently in the last minutes," he stated, emphasizing that his team is equally capable of displaying mental toughness and a fighting spirit. According to De Rossi, such endurance on the field is a direct reflection of a team's character, something he has worked hard to cultivate at Roma.

The upcoming semifinal matches thus promise to be a thrilling showcase of tactical prowess, resilience, and perhaps a reflection of the football philosophies that both De Rossi and Alonso have carried from their playing days into their coaching careers. As the football world watches, the battle will not just be about which team advances, but also about which coach can outmaneuver the other, adding another chapter to their storied careers in football.