Gandini: Barcelona tie certain to be unforgettable occasion

Gandini was asked about the club's upcoming Champions League clash against Barcelona, the team's form in the league, and the current status with the Stadio della Roma project.

Read what he had to say below.

The season is reaching its climax – is beating Barcelona as impossible as it seems?

"We’re delighted to have got as far as we have in a really difficult competition. It’s a stage that the club hasn’t got to in several years. We’re going to be playing in a match that many people dream of having the chance to compete in. We’re very happy to be playing a top side in Barcelona for a place in the semi-finals. No result is guaranteed in football. It’s an exciting match-up that will stoke up a lot of passion – we’ll go into it open minded and give it everything we have. It’s one of those matches that makes a whole season worthwhile."

Having come through a period of crisis, is this the perfect time to play Barcelona?

"It’s certainly been a season with some memorable moments. I think qualifying for the Round of 16 took it out of us a bit and we paid the price for that during December and the Christmas period. But we bounced back. We stayed calm and the decisions we made were proved right. We’re on course to match our expectations, although we’re a little too far off the top two, who have set a fearsome pace. We’re on track for two of our three season objectives – to qualify for next year’s Champions League and to still be in this season’s competition."

Would you accept a narrow defeat at Camp Nou and take your chances in trying to turn it around at home, a bit like the 2-1 defeat in Ukraine?

"The first game will be very important, especially if we can grab a goal and come back to Rome with a result that enables us to go for it at the Olimpico. Barcelona are a great side as a whole but they have an extra-terrestrial in Lionel Messi who can change a game in an instant whenever he wants."

What progress still needs to be made in terms of the new stadium? How can the club continue to grow?

"We’re going according to plan in terms of our progress and the steps we’re working through. The bureaucratic process is moving forward and we’re waiting for the green light to begin going to tender and starting to organise the work sites."

Are you able to give us a start date for the works?

"It depends on third parties and public administration, so it’s difficult to make plans. However, we’re confident that we’ll be able to start by the end of 2018.

"Under the guidance of president [James] Pallotta, the club has been strengthened in many different areas. We’re growing across the board, following the strategy that’s been set out and that’s seeing us play our part in Italy and at European level."

How important was it that Edin Dzeko stayed at the club in January?

"Crucial. The player had an opportunity, weighed it up and decided to stay with us. He’s a very important player for our style of play and he showed that again yesterday. Even when he doesn’t score, he makes our game more complete."

Will Roma continue to invest, given the revenue the club will receive from the Champions League? Will any players leave?

"There’s no point in talking about that stuff now. We’re in the final stages of a massive season so the transfer market is the last thing on our minds. This team has always changed in order to improve – the results and performances prove that. The market is always changing for everyone involved. The biggest clubs change their players in order to improve – it’s not just about the economic factors. All clubs are trying to improve."

There are people that would like to see Francesco Totti with a more central role at the club.

"Totti does have a central role. He’s been working in this new role with us since the start of the season. It’s a big change – going from the football pitch to behind a desk isn’t without its difficulties. It takes time, focus and patience. We enjoy working with him and he has a very close bond with the team, [Eusebio] Di Francesco and Monchi. He’s making a contribution and learning from all of the people around him."

Is this a season of transition for Patrik Schick?

"He had a complicated summer because he had a few fitness issues and missed out on pre-season with Sampdoria. There were a lot of things that meant he struggled. He’s improving and we are relying on him for both the present and the future. He’s there for Di Francesco to work with. It’s not been an easy season, but we had considered that possibility. Nobody would find it easy to go from Sampdoria to Roma and steal the show from the off."