Walter Sabatini, the former sporting director of AS Roma, has shared candid recollections of Luis Enrique’s tenure in the Italian capital. Sabatini revealed that the current Paris Saint-Germain coach faced significant backlash from Roma supporters due to his firm stance on the club’s legendary captain, Francesco Totti. Despite enduring boos and criticism, Luis Enrique remained resolute in his principles.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper As, as reported by La Gazzetta, Sabatini detailed how he first learned of Luis Enrique’s interest in managing in Italy through agent Dario Canovi. After sending scouts Frederic Massara and Pasquale Sensibile to observe Enrique’s coaching methods, Sabatini personally traveled to Barcelona and was quickly convinced of his potential. Sabatini noted that Enrique was an unconventional choice for Serie A at the time, describing him as a “unique figure in Italian football.”
Luis Enrique’s single season at Roma, which concluded with a modest seventh-place finish and no European qualification, was notably defined by his relationship with Totti, a decision that deeply divided the fanbase.
“In Rome, the rule is: anyone who questions Totti commits a cardinal sin,” Sabatini explained. “Luis Enrique was fully aware that challenging Totti would mean jeopardizing his own position. Nevertheless, he refused to compromise his beliefs for personal expediency. He is a man of immense integrity.”
While a mutual respect existed between Enrique and Totti, with Totti reportedly nicknaming the coach “Zichichi” as a sign of admiration, the coach’s willingness to bench the beloved icon alienated a significant portion of the Giallorossi supporters.
“He was unconcerned with public opinion,” Sabatini stated. “He adhered to his footballing philosophy and accepted the repercussions.”
Beyond the Totti situation, Luis Enrique’s coaching philosophy had a profound impact on the players within the club. Sabatini recalled Daniele De Rossi, a World Cup winner, expressing his astonishment after training sessions. “He would visit my office and tell me, ‘During training, he introduces so many concepts that I feel like I’ve never played football before,'” Sabatini recounted. “He was incredibly enthusiastic, captivated by that style of football.”
Enrique’s dedication extended to his daily routine. Despite residing on the other side of Rome, he frequently commuted to the Trigoria training ground by bicycle. This detail, according to Sabatini, exemplifies the same relentless and self-driven character that has led him to achieve top-tier success with clubs like PSG.
English Translation:
Walter Sabatini, former Roma sporting director, has offered a fascinating insight into Luis Enrique’s solitary year in the Italian capital, revealing that the current Paris Saint-Germain coach was booed by supporters for his uncompromising treatment of Francesco Totti, and that he accepted the consequences without hesitation.
According to an interview with Spanish newspaper As, via La Gazzetta, Sabatini described how he first became aware of Luis Enrique through agent Dario Canovi, who told him the Spaniard was eager to leave Barcelona B and test himself as a head coach in Italy.
After sending scouts Frederic Massara and Pasquale Sensibile to observe his methods, Sabatini flew to Barcelona personally and was immediately convinced. “Nobody had ever considered him as a Serie A coach,” he said. “He was a unique figure in Italian football.”
What followed was a season that left a lasting impression, even if the results, a seventh-place finish and no European qualification, were modest. It was Luis Enrique’s relationship with Totti that defined his time at the club in the eyes of supporters.
“At Roma it works like this: whoever touches Totti commits a mortal sin,” Sabatini said. “Luis Enrique knew perfectly well that putting him in question meant digging his own grave. Despite everything, he did not want to betray his ideals for personal gain. He is a man of great consistency.”
The two men held a mutual respect, with Totti reportedly nicknaming Luis Enrique “Zichichi” – after one of Italy’s most famous scientists, as a mark of admiration. But the coach’s willingness to drop the Roma icon to the bench earned him the wrath of the Giallorossi faithful regardless.
“He did not care what people thought,” Sabatini said. “He pursued his style of football and accepted the price to pay.”
Away from the Totti saga, Luis Enrique’s methods left a profound impression on those inside the club.
Sabatini recalled Daniele De Rossi, a World Cup winner, emerging from training sessions in a state of wonder. “He would come to my office and tell me: ‘In training he develops so many concepts that I feel like I have never played football before,’” Sabatini said. “He was enthusiastic, in love with that type of football.”
The dedication extended to the mundane. Despite living on the opposite side of Rome, Luis Enrique would regularly cycle to the club’s Trigoria training ground, a detail that speaks to the same relentless, self-sufficient character that has since taken him to the summit of club football with PSG.