Roma midfielder Manu Koné shared his reflections on the upcoming Derby della Capitale, noting the deep emotional significance and rivalry it embodies as Roma prepares to face Lazio. With the match set to kick-off on January 5, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico, excitement is palpable among the players and fans.
Speaking to Il Romanista, Koné stated, "I’ve never regretted joining Roma," expressing his commitment to the club after transferring from Gladbach last summer. He emphasized the weight of the derby, stating, "The derby will be a battle for us." His sentiments reflect the heightened intensity and stakes associated with this celebrated match.
Koné acknowledged the importance of preparation, explaining, "We prepared for the match like this: we worked hard all week, analyzed the opposing team, their tactical setup, their strengths and weaknesses, and studied how they position themselves on set pieces." This hard work has contributed to their confidence, especially after their recent performances.
Underlining the role of coach Claudio Ranieri, Koné stated, "Ranieri? He is a great coach." His praise highlighted how the coach has instilled confidence and charisma within the squad, driving them to work cohesively and strive for success. "With Guendouzi we are good friends even off the pitch... on the pitch, I have no friends; I don’t give anyone any discounts," he said, illustrating the competitive spirit among teammates.
For Koné, this derby signifies more than just another game. He remarked, "Honestly, no one spoke to me individually about how to approach this match from an emotional point of view, simply because... I realized this was a special match, full of tension." His perspective on the emotional gravity of the match exemplifies how seriously players take the rivalry.
The midfielder also reflected on the team’s motivation, saying, "This victory gives us great satisfaction: we wanted to win for the fans, for the club, for the coach, but above all for ourselves." This statement underlines the players' desire to deliver for everyone invested in the club.
Koné's confidence shone through as he stated, "We are all competitive, both individually and collectively. We are proving we are on the right path." He believes the team possesses all the qualities needed to move up the table, and he knows it will require taking each game step by step.
Preparations for the derby demonstrate the intense focus and commitment of the players. Following the hard-fought win over Lazio, Koné remarked on the team's strategy and execution, noting, "Tonight we started off strong, especially in the first half. We are really happy with the win." His comments reveal the satisfaction the team felt after securing victory against their rivals.
With the match only hours away, excitement is reaching its climax. Koné's insights not only serve to hype the game but also reflect the deeply rooted rivalry and emotional investment from both the players and fans. The Derby della Capitale promises to be not just another match but rather, as Koné put it, "a real battle for us." The fervor surrounding this iconic clash ensures it will be another memorable chapter in the storied history of Roman football.