Karsdorp: ‘Mourinho only jokes off the pitch’
Rick Karsdorp explains why he didn’t join Atalanta in 2020 and describes how is it like to work with José Mourinho.
The 26-year-old is expected to get a starting spot in Mourinho’s Roma line-up in 2021-22.
“I have more experience now, I was just 22 when I arrived, four years later, I am more mature, all the experiences I’ve had made me stronger, especially the injuries. I played almost every game last season, so I am hopeful ahead of the new campaign,” the Dutch defender told Il Romanista.
Karsdorp had returned to Feyenoord on loan in 2019, but when he moved back to the capital last season, he played almost every game under Paulo Fonseca.
“I felt that I had not completed my task, that I had not yet finished here. I had always been injured, but I didn’t want my name to be linked to a failure, I didn’t want to leave this memory,” he admitted.
“So, I did my best to get another chance, I came back, I fought, and I ended up playing a lot. And I hope to continue to do so.
“The atmosphere is good, I like to stay here, I’m very happy. With a new coach, we start again, there is a new staff, it’s all new. I like very much how the technician makes us work, I like the workouts, with many small matches, side games, which reminds me very much how I trained in Holland.”
How does it feel to work with José Mourinho?
“In the world of football, everyone knows the Special One. But I only knew him from TV and interviews,” the defender said.
“Now I can say that I like very much how he works, how he makes us train: the sessions are hard, but I like them so, they make me stronger.
“I like the way he talks. When I returned from the holidays, I wondered how he was, I was curious: I had only seen it on TV.
“He is a person who likes jokes at the right time. And this is very important for the group. But it only happens off the pitch. When we work, he is always very serious.”
Karsdorp could have left Roma in 2020 as Atalanta had made an offer to sign him, however, the defender decided to stay at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Atalanta had made a request to Roma, I spoke to the club and we decided to continue together. I also renewed the contract. I wanted to play and I achieved it.”