De Rossi wants to 'follow Mourinho's European path example'

Daniele De Rossi, having taken over the managerial reins at AS Roma from José Mourinho, holds the Portuguese tactician in high regard, seeing him as a benchmark for success, particularly in European competitions.

Ahead of a pivotal Europa League clash with Feyenoord, De Rossi reflected on the impact Mourinho had during his tenure with the Italian club and expressed a desire to emulate his predecessor's achievements on the continent.

Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen and ability to galvanize his squads in European tournaments, left a lasting impression at Roma. De Rossi, mindful of the standards set by Mourinho, acknowledged the challenge of stepping into the shoes of such a revered figure. "I can't say what the difference is with Mourinho's Roma. Every coach who arrives brings something different," De Rossi mentioned, highlighting the unique contributions each manager brings to their team.

Despite the inherent differences in coaching styles and philosophies, De Rossi has paid close attention to the blueprint left by Mourinho. He studied the team's performances under Mourinho extensively, not just from a professional standpoint but also as an admirer of the game. "I studied Mourinho's Roma a lot and always watched the games, even as a simple fan. I can't say it's very different," he noted, indicating a level of continuity and respect for the groundwork laid by Mourinho.

With Mourinho's tenure marked by notable success in Europe, including leading Roma with distinction in continental competitions, De Rossi aspires to ensure his team remains competitive on the European stage. "With Mourinho, the team did very well, especially in Europe, and I hope we don't fall too far behind and that we can follow the example of his European journey," De Rossi stated, setting his sights on maintaining Roma's prominence in European football.

However, De Rossi also emphasized the individuality of each coach's approach, acknowledging that while he seeks to draw inspiration from Mourinho's successes, he will inevitably imprint his own ideas and preferences on the team. "But every coach has their own ideas and preferences. Whatever coach comes into a team will always bring something different from the previous one," he asserted.

As De Rossi leads Roma into their Europa League campaign, his respect for Mourinho's legacy serves as both inspiration and a benchmark for success. With an eye on replicating Mourinho's European exploits, De Rossi is poised to carve his own path, blending his unique perspective with the solid foundation laid by his esteemed predecessor.