Totti’s Vision for Roma’s Future
Francesco Totti, a living legend of AS Roma, recently shared his insights on the club’s coaching search during an interview with Antonio Cassano on the Viva El Futbol podcast. Totti, known for his unwavering loyalty and deep understanding of the team, believes that Roma needs a great manager to secure the Scudetto and transform the squad. "You need a great manager to win the Scudetto, but also champions. They must improve their squad relative to what I see today. They deserve to finish in fifth or sixth place at most now," he stated. Totti’s assessment underscores the need for significant changes in both leadership and personnel to elevate Roma to the top of Italian football.
Totti’s Ideal Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
When it comes to his top pick for the next Roma coach, Totti is clear: Carlo Ancelotti. "Carlo Ancelotti would be my choice, but he wouldn’t come with this roster. He would ask to overhaul its backbone," Totti explained. Ancelotti’s reputation for success and his tactical acumen make him an ideal candidate, but the current state of the Roma squad is a significant obstacle. Totti, who would consider stepping into a directorial role, emphasized that convincing Ancelotti to join would require a bold and ambitious plan to rebuild the team from the ground up. This vision aligns with Totti’s long-term goal of seeing Roma compete at the highest level.
Other Coaching Candidates and Totti’s Preferences
Totti also discussed other potential candidates for the Roma coaching position, offering his candid opinions. "Gian Piero Gasperini is a good coach, but I’m not crazy about him. I would never be able to play with his man-to-man style all over the pitch," he said. Totti’s preference for a more fluid and creative approach to the game is evident in his choice of Roberto De Zerbi, whom he admires. However, De Zerbi is still considered a bit of a question mark for Roma. "They have gotten used to middling bosses," Totti remarked, suggesting that Roma needs a coach who can push the boundaries and inspire the team to greater heights.
Totti’s Current Role and Future Ambitions
In his current role, Totti focuses on nurturing young talent and shaping the future of football. "At the moment, I try to find strong youngsters and make them grow. I’m not an agent per se. If somebody pursues me, I’ll evaluate. I would weigh joining the national team. Instead, they are the only club I would consider," he shared. Totti’s passion for developing young players reflects his commitment to the game and his desire to leave a lasting legacy. While he is open to new opportunities, his heart remains with Roma, the club he has dedicated his career to. Totti’s influence and expertise could be invaluable in a managerial or directorial role, helping to guide the next generation of Roma players.
Evaluating Offers and Future Moves
When asked about potential moves, Totti revealed that a Serie A side reached out to him in January with an intriguing offer. "I won’t reveal which one, but I’ll just say that I would have had to live close to Cassano," he quipped, adding a touch of humor to the conversation. Despite the appeal of the offer, Totti chose to stay put, demonstrating his commitment to his current role and his desire to contribute to Roma’s future. "I’d like a position like Paolo Maldini’s one: an important role but without calling the shots on my own. I wish to contribute and would know which players to choose," he expressed. Totti’s ideal role combines the influence of a high-level executive with the practical knowledge of a seasoned football professional, making him a valuable asset for any club.
Totti’s Legacy and Vision for Roma
Totti’s insights and preferences reflect his deep connection to Roma and his vision for the club’s future. His emphasis on finding a great manager and improving the squad highlights the importance of ambition and strategic planning. Whether through his current role in developing young talent or a future position in management, Totti’s contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape Roma and Italian football. His legacy as a player is already etched in the annals of football history, and his influence as a leader and mentor is poised to leave an equally lasting impact.
