All players have felt like Daniele De Rossi but we shouldn’t show it | Liam Rosenior

Nov 16, 2017

The Italy midfielder’s angry reaction to being asked to warm up against Sweden when a goal was needed was heartfelt but we can’t have players debating managers’ decisions mid-match

On Monday evening Daniele De Rossi questioned his manager’s request for him to warm up when Italy were in desperate need of a goal to rescue their fading hopes of qualification for the World Cup. In a passionate outburst he pointed to Lorenzo Insigne, a forward, and reminded one of the team’s backroom staff in no uncertain terms it was a win Italy needed, not a draw. Trust me, what De Rossi did was something that at some time or other every player has felt like doing.

I have felt De Rossi’s anger – the frustration of watching my team struggle while sitting on a bench yards from the play – and I know that pain and feeling of helplessness at being unable to alter the course of an important match (too many times, I may add!) but also trying to keep my emotions in check when negative events are unfolding.

Tags: Football Italy Sport World Cup 2018 qualifiers