(foto: Twitter)
Walter Sabatini explained why Luis Enrique’s relationship with Francesco Totti became the key reason behind his failed spell at Roma.
Luis Enrique is now close to another huge success with PSG, but his time at Roma remains one of the most complicated chapters of his coaching career.
Former Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has now revealed why the Spanish coach never truly managed to survive in the Italian capital.
According to Sabatini, the problem was not football itself.
“His arrival was a blessing. I’m not talking about the results, because he was not lucky there, but about the work culture he brought. It was revolutionary,” Sabatini told Spanish newspaper AS.
Luis Enrique arrived at Roma in 2011 with the ambition of introducing a more modern and possession-based style inspired by Barcelona. Many players were reportedly fascinated by his methods and tactical ideas.
Sabatini particularly highlighted Daniele De Rossi, who was deeply impressed by the Spaniard’s work.
“De Rossi would come to my office and tell me: ‘He’s developing so many new concepts that I feel like I’ve never played football before.’ He was an intelligent and very sensitive guy,” Sabatini recalled.
Everything changed, however, when Luis Enrique made one extremely sensitive decision.
He left Francesco Totti on the bench for a Europa League match.
At Roma, according to Sabatini, that was almost unforgivable.
“There’s one rule at Roma: whoever touches Totti commits a mortal sin. Whoever doubts him is dead,” he explained.
Totti was much more than only a footballer for Roma supporters.
“He was and still is an eternal idol. A demigod. Nobody was allowed to touch him,” Sabatini added.
Even knowing the consequences, Luis Enrique reportedly refused to betray his own football philosophy.
“He had his own ideology and was incredibly consistent. He knew that by leaving Totti out he was digging his own grave, but he didn’t want to betray his ideas for personal gain. It was brutal consistency,” Sabatini said.
Interestingly, Sabatini insisted that Luis Enrique and Totti personally respected each other.
The real issue came from the atmosphere surrounding the club and the reaction of supporters.
According to the former director, some fans even insulted the coach’s family near his home.
“He couldn’t tolerate it. He left. He was exhausted and needed a year of rest,” Sabatini explained.
Luis Enrique resigned in May 2012 after only one season at Roma.
The club finished seventh in Serie A and suffered an embarrassing European elimination against Slovan Bratislava.
Still, despite the disappointing results, many in Italy believe his ideas helped modernize Roma’s football identity and influenced the club’s later tactical evolution.