Radja Nainggolan weighs in on Roma’s first half the season | OneFootball

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Derby della Capitale, ex-Roma man Radja Nainggolan shared his thoughts on his former side’s struggles.

The Belgian, who spent four years with the Giallorossi, confessed it stings to watch the club’s struggles in recent seasons—including their over half-decade Champions League drought.

“It hurts to see Roma and where they are right now,” he told Rete Sport. “I experienced my best seasons in Rome—and we were always pretty high up in the table.”

“Since I left, the Giallorossi have not played in the Champions League. I see that the team is improving, but there is still a long way to go, there are many points to recover.”

“It is strange to see 3 coaches with such different ideas succeed each other: Paredes who did not play before and now he does, Bove, a starter under Mourinho, is sent away. I would never have sent Edoardo away.”

“De Rossi? His sacking shows the club’s ineptitude. They had just given him a 3-year contract, and he had done better than Mourinho, collecting many points and he was fired after only 4 games: it’s inexplicable.”

The Belgian was also asked about the perceived lack of leadership within the squad before discussing the role of star-man Paulo Dybala, who’s entering the final months of his contract.

“I can’t say whether or not the team has leaders within it,” explained Nainggolan.

“Being a leader does not mean raising your arms and showing yourself in moments where there are heated confrontations during the match, for example as Mancini does: being a leader is something more, they get you out of difficulties.”

“As for Dybala, it’s simple: you should always keep players that make a difference.”