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AS Roma president James Pallotta has admitted to a brutally honest opinion that the club's season was a "complete disaster" but defied his critics by saying he would not stand down.
Roma fell far short of expectations as they finished sixth in Serie A and were beaten in the Champions League round of 16 by Porto. Coach Eusebio Di Francesco was sacked after that in March and sporting director Monchi also left.
Roma, currently having a coach, has won a major trophy since Pallotta, among the U.S. investors who took over the club in 2011, became president in 2012.
He said the team's lack of success was a "major regret," adding that nobody "has been more disappointed, I have been more disappointed than I have been … Last season for me was a complete disaster. "
The coach, he said, he was handed an unsuitable squad.
"The team simply did not fit well with the system that Di Francesco wanted to play," said Pallotta. "He was clearly put in … a tough position this past year and it was collateral damage."
Roma fans were infuriated when the club decided not to offer stalwart midfielder Daniele De Rossi a new contract, forcing him out after 18 seasons, but Pallotta said he could not afford to risk the 35-year-old getting injured and leaving the side of options in a key area.
"While I would love to have Daniele on the team, you only have two [defensive midfielders] and if one gets hurt, Roma is screwed. It's just as simple as that. "
Palotta added: "We have had some differences of opinion on how to have a good job.
"Daniele was emotional but he's emotional because he cares and has a cared about Roma forever.He plays with his heart – we've seen it for 18 years with Roma and the world stage with Italy. that's what made him a great captain, and I firmly believe that Daniele has never done it, it has been for the betterment of the club. "
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Pallotta also addressed the decision to sell forward Mohamed Salah and Alisson goalkeeper, who have gone to Liverpool.
He said the Egyptian wanted to prove himself in the Premier League, while Alisson was sold because of the need to comply with the law.
Responding to his critics, Pallotta said he could "take the beatings" but would not accept attacks on his family.
"What I think is disgraceful and despicable, and certainly not representative of Roma and our fans, are the hundreds of people who have [insulted] my sisters, "he said.
"Unfortunately for [those critics], I'm not going anywhere. All we care about is building a great and successful Roma. "
Pallotta said anyone who thought he was only interested in making money … I've never taken a salary I've never taken one penny out of this team I do not get anything from the sales.
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