Gasperini: “We’re improving, competing and have belief”

Here’s what our coach had to say.

Roma’s performance was a solid one. They were very athletic and very focused on their marking. Some mistakes were made towards the end, but it was nevertheless a solid performance. Do you agree?

“Yes, indeed. Towards the end we were very tired and ran some risks with some mistakes we shouldn’t have made, but apart from that it was an excellent game, because Udinese were a tough team to play against: they’re a very physical team.

“But we played with great intensity, good technique and moves. The goal we scored was very nice too. I’m satisfied. We’re improving and have belief.”

You looked particularly satisfied when the team scored their second goal. A bit because it virtually secured the win, a bit because of how the play was developed: I saw many of your ideas. I think that a coach can be very satisfied when he sees his ideas being implemented successfully.

“Yes, because it turns into an important goal and it’s also related to how we flooded the box. That wouldn’t have happened a few weeks ago. I saw many good things throughout the match. However, as I said earlier, we’d already seen them in our European and Serie A matches.

“It’s a good period for us, although we have the international break now. I think it’s a good thing for us, though: we can be top of the table for two weeks and we need to get some players back.”

It was a solid performance, but the team also looked confident. From the outside it seems as though Roma are becoming increasingly aware not only of what you expect from them, but also of what they can achieve. You always find a solution that works, even though the players and attributes change.

“Well, we’ve had many injured players lately and they are all forwards. Lacking several players in the same area can lead to some problems, but I think that compared to a few weeks ago the team have acquired new points of reference and a new mindset in terms of how they attack.

“[Gasperini is shown the video of the second goal] Many were involved in this play and we can be a threat with multiple players attacking. It’s something I really like, regardless of the characteristics of the single players, who are very different from one another.”

You are steadily growing. Roma are growing in terms of ball possession and moving the ball fast. The ball was a bit high in the opening minutes and you told the players ‘to keep it low.’ From that point on, you started playing very well. And then about Gianluca Mancini: you moved him to the right, overlap, cross, penalty; underlap, playing the ball back… this player defends very well and now he also attacks differently. It was a great idea.

“We’ve had the advantage of playing many games, including in the Europa League. It affected us a bit at home, but by playing these matches we got the chance to improve all the details and become more self-aware, as Mancini did.

“This way, we are able to build up more effectively from the back. We can dictate the tempo and initiate the play more effectively, and it’s delivering results, so we are continuing to adopt it. However, it’s all thanks to the team: they have belief, follow my instructions and find satisfaction in the games they play. When you play and are satisfied with what you are doing, you are more successful."