Former Roma chief Walter Sabatini has praised coach Luciano Spalletti for his management of Francesco Totti.
Totti, 40, could yet play on into next season.
Sabatini said, “He and his collaborators are working to start a new era, but had to say some really tough things and that meant going into a collision course with Francesco Totti.
“I have seen Totti do things that can never be repeated, but he represented a problem in dealing with a player who is on the way down.
“Spalletti, in hurting Totti in some instances, did it to bring Roma the idea of forging a strong team. He does it only thanks to behaviour. He did something ponderous and is trying today, but look at what happens.
“Spalletti is courageous and there are few with that virtue. I hope he remains."