Genoa manager Daniele De Rossi has openly discussed his future at the club, expressing a desire to build a project at Marassi following a goalless draw with Atalanta that all but secured the club's Serie A status. The result leaves Genoa comfortably clear of the relegation zone with two games remaining, a significant achievement for the former Roma captain who took over the team in mid-season. Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, De Rossi outlined his ambitions while stressing patience, indicating a shared vision with the club's hierarchy for the upcoming transfer window.
De Rossi's comments come at a pivotal moment for Genoa, who have stabilized under his guidance after a turbulent campaign. "I have ambitions, but I'm not in a hurry," De Rossi said. "My career is a bit particular, with many substitutions. I have never started and finished a season as a manager; haste would be a bad counselor." The 40-year-old, whose previous managerial experience was a brief stint with SPAL in Serie B, emphasized that his current role is also to "stimulate the club" to recognize the quality of the existing squad.
The manager also addressed the inevitable summer turnover, acknowledging that player sales are part of the club's model but must be met with adequate reinvestment. "The agreements were clear, we knew from the start that we would have to make some sales, we played with open cards on that," De Rossi stated. "Then if you sell, you have to replace the players. The management has ambition, I feel it when we talk, it will be put on the table. We are all very ambitious, but this ambition must not be sought far from Genoa." This suggests a transfer strategy focused on shrewd, targeted signings rather than major expenditure.
On the pitch, the point against Atalanta was a disciplined, if unspectacular, performance. Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, named Panini Player of the Match, praised the team's collective effort in a difficult away fixture. The draw complicates Atalanta's European aspirations but represents another step in Genoa's successful fight for survival. De Rossi highlighted the team's first-half performance, where they managed to cause problems for a side competing for a Conference League spot.
Looking ahead, De Rossi's stated intention to continue suggests a period of stability and planning for Genoa. His willingness to work within the club's financial parameters while demanding ambition aligns with a sustainable growth model. The upcoming match against Fiorentina could provide the mathematical confirmation of safety, allowing the club to fully turn its attention to constructing a squad capable of progressing beyond mere survival next season.
