De Rossi admits Genoa ‘lost well’ to Milan and recalls Moreira’s comment: “Even our opponents notice”

By: Ben Dixon

Daniele De Rossi has looked back at Genoa’s defeat to AC Milan and how he wasn’t frustrated with his team afterwards.

Milan entered the international break with a much-needed victory against Genoa, but it wasn’t the easiest result of the season. After a disappointing defeat to Ferencvaros – which extended the midweek run of defeats – they couldn’t afford to drop points, and they succeeded, even if it wasn’t without flaw.

With two goals inside 20 minutes, you’d be forgiven for expecting Milan to win by more than a couple. However, that was the end of their goalscoring for the afternoon and although Genoa pulled one back, they didn’t grab more than a consolation goal.

Speaking to Sky Sport – in the new series ‘Radici’ – De Rossi looked back on the defeat to the Rossoneri, as well as a comment that stuck with him from Diego Moreira, as MilanPress have relayed today.

We indeed lost against Milan, but we lost ‘well.’ We didn’t deserve it. Three or four weeks ago, the latest results seemed like a pipe dream. I thank the players, staff, and my club for giving me faith and patience at a time when other clubs wouldn’t have had it.

“They remembered how good we did last year. I’m happy to have emerged from a difficult period and to be Genoa’s coach; I’m really happy there.”

“I’m passionate about the fans and the supporters. I’m part of a club that, in terms of fan base, is among the best in Europe. I’m passionate; I don’t punch a clock. I spend two hours with the stockman or the waitress with the same enthusiasm I spend time with the team captain. Experiencing it like that, you realise that Genoa is a great team.

“Genoa is full of Genoese fans who remind you every second how much they love their club, the pride of being the top club in Italy. The architecture of the stadium and the warmth of the fans… I’m not saying this to be a sycophant, but on Sunday Moreira came to me and said, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this here in Italy.’ It’s a reality that even our opponents notice.”