Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media on the eve of the first match after the international break, Inter-Roma.
“Soulé has recovered and trained with us over the past two weeks: the first with some difficulty, while the last one was much better. He’s clearly coming off an injury and a long layoff, but he’s regained some momentum.”
“Wesley and Kone, on the other hand, have returned from their respective national teams but are still sidelined. Both players are performing better than their diagnoses suggest, but they won’t make it tomorrow.”
“Rensch starting? He’s had some very good matches, and others where he’s had sudden lapses in concentration or motivation. Despite this, he’s a very positive guy who always trains very well. In any case, there are two options for tomorrow: Rensch or Tsimikas. There’s also the option of Angelino, who’s definitely improving. Many times he doesn’t seem ready to play yet, but he’s definitely made significant progress compared to a few months ago.”
On being named among the various candidates to become Italy’s new head coach, Gasperini said, “It’s a moment when many names have been floated, but the point is what I was saying before: it’s not simply about a position. The issue is broader and involves a comprehensive overhaul, a new vision to bring our football, our youth, and our kids back to a certain level. This is much more important than deciding on the new coach. Perhaps the leagues can also help provide more opportunities.”
“There are many aspects to consider: several teams that represented a significant pool of talent have disappeared, and I don’t know if this has been a good thing or a bad thing. I don’t think Italy has suddenly forgotten how to play football. We’ve had a crazy past. It concerns the entire national system: it’s a complex issue that involves many factors.”
“Right now, we’re focused on the season: we’re entering the final eight games, which are crucial; we’re in the final phase, and we’re there, together with Juventus. This is what’s keeping everyone busy the most, and personally, it’s absorbing me completely: the end of the season.”
“We’ve done a good job these past two weeks, but with only eight or nine players, because the others were busy with their national teams. But in this respect, the team has never lacked. In recent matches—I’m thinking of the matches against Juventus, Milan, Bologna, and Napoli—we’ve played very well, with great condition and mentality, with moments of great intensity and enthusiasm, even if unfortunately they didn’t always lead to victory. We came very close. The only bad week was the two consecutive defeats against Genoa and Como, but the team has always responded well. But I’ll stop there.”
When asked whether his future will be tied to Roma’s European qualification, Gasperini said, “These are issues that are being discussed and will undoubtedly have a significant impact on next season, regardless of how this season ends. It’s clear that we all hope to reach the Champions League, especially for the financial benefits it would bring to the Club. At the same time, the Club is already considering its future: it’s clear that some issues inherited from previous management are reaching a critical point, which will force the Club to make important decisions for the future.”
“My future? From what I can say so far, I’m very happy with the choice I’ve made and with how this experience is developing. I’m satisfied with the relationship I’ve built, the trust I believe I’ve earned from a large portion of the fans, and above all, the bond I have with the team. The team, for me, has been and will continue to be the most important part of the club, regardless of the results. It’s right that it should be this way: a football team must put the pitch at its center. Then there are the financial and organizational aspects, but for me the priority is always the team.”
“I have a very frank, open, sincere, and shared relationship with the club. I try to bring my ideas and experience to bear on the demands of my role when I arrived at Roma. For me, it’s a fantastic experience. It’s normal that, in difficult times, not everyone sees football the same way, but that’s part of the game.”
“I try to continue my approach, seeking solutions that are compatible with the club’s capabilities, with the goal of building an ever-improving team. As I said, for me, the team is the priority: if the team works, everything works. My goal is always to improve it, in keeping with my vision of football.”
“Will I be Roma’s coach next season, too? I don’t know. I certainly hope so, and then I hope we can continue on a path where not only I have to be satisfied, but everyone involved. In the meantime, let’s focus on Sunday and the match against Inter.”
“Tomorrow brings a change: it’s an important day, not decisive, but certainly significant for both teams’ objectives. The margin for error is decreasing, but arriving at this point in the season, with eight games to go, in this position, level on points with Juventus and three points behind the Champions League, is already an important sign. Our path has had its ups and downs in terms of results, but our performances have improved, as have the players’ motivation and dedication. Now we’re in the decisive phase: we need to push hard and give our all. Eight games is a significant amount of time, there’s room for everyone. Tomorrow will be an important match, but we’re ready and will give it our all.”
“Did I expect more from Zaragoza? Definitely. We all expected something more. He’s a player with unique characteristics, perhaps not very consistent, but capable of significant acceleration, as was immediately seen in Naples with the move that led to Malen’s goal.”
“But it’s never easy to settle in in January: some adapt quickly and find their form right away, others need more time. He’s encountered a few more difficulties so far, but we hope that at this crucial moment he can make the contribution we expected and believe he can offer.”
“Malen? He has convinced everyone. It’s clear that there are financial considerations that the club must make, but there’s no doubt about the player’s value. I think this is a good team: it shouldn’t be dismantled, it needs to be improved. Perhaps we could have done something more this year, but if we’re in this position, it means the qualities are there and the foundation is solid. Sometimes people think that with this group, we can only reach a certain level, but be careful, because without this group, we risk finishing twelfth or thirteenth without a chance. It’s a strong, compact, and professional group. It needs to be completed and improved, as always, to make it even more competitive, even stronger.”
