Head Coach Gasperini’s Address to the Media

Here is what the Giallorossi head coach had to say.

From an outside perspective, corporate operations seem slower than usual. This was apparent during the negotiations for Çelik and in general. What is your view on this matter?

"Yes, that is probably the case. However, sometimes we operate like an internal combustion engine, and other times like a diesel engine. In the long run, though, the diesel engine keeps moving forward. That being said, we clearly need to improve, even if the player's contract was expiring, because market dynamics can sometimes move much faster. Right now, Ryan is present here, and as we already saw in January, his presence provides an added value that can help us accelerate processes. On the other hand, this is a somewhat unusual year due to the World Cup. The month of June was characterized by a sort of standstill, also owing to the transition and arrival of Sporting Director D’Amico. Now, however, it feels as though everyone is beginning to make their moves. Regarding Çelik, I want to clearly thank him for everything he achieved last season, for his availability, and for his performances. From a footballing perspective, however, I am convinced that we will strengthen the squad and perhaps become even better."

What is your mindset regarding the current situation? You have accustomed us to urging the club and the entire environment to pull in the same direction with great speed, given the importance of our goals.

"We are always under immense pressure, as is the entire environment. It is clear that there was a long break, but now we are back here at Trigoria and everyone is present. The holiday period, partly for the reasons I explained earlier and due to the World Cup, was certainly slower compared to previous years. However, I am used to looking ahead and focusing entirely on the objective. We have an extraordinary goal. It is clear that difficulties exist and that certain information can change over time. I have been here for a year now, and occasionally I receive specific pieces of information that, after some time, turn out differently. This also applies to financial aspects. I too hoped that qualifying for the Champions League would be decisive in resolving certain situations, only to later find out that it is not the case. Yet the reverse is also true: you must know how to adapt, because the objective and the purpose we want to achieve transcend everything else. We want to improve, to be better and stronger. When faced with any unexpected event—and I have encountered many—you have to reset, devise a new strategy, and put yourself in the best possible position. We must harness the enthusiasm of this fanbase and the capabilities of this club, which may have its flaws but also possesses many virtues. Everything must serve a single purpose: building a great team."

You stated that the objective is to improve. Considering that Roma finished third last season, does this mean the target is now the Scudetto?

"You have simplified it significantly, and deliberately so. However, I appreciate the question. No, that is not what it means. When we speak of improving, it does not necessarily mean setting that specific goal immediately. It would already be an important milestone to establish ourselves permanently in the upper echelons of the table. Then, based on my experience, if you manage to remain at the top consistently and with solid foundations, the moment arrives when you can aim for something even more prestigious. Undoubtedly. At this moment, however, our immediate objective is to stabilize our position as high as possible and continue to progress. Last season, the team achieved a thoroughly deserved result, though I venture to say it perhaps went slightly beyond initial expectations. Our goal remains this: to become even stronger."

Today, the contract renewals for Cristante and Mancini were finalized. What is your assessment? Furthermore, do you also expect Lorenzo Pellegrini to renew?

"The renewals of Cristante and Mancini were already anticipated. They had been agreed upon towards the end of last season. The fact that they have only now become official likely means the agreements were already in place and have simply been formalized. Pellegrini's situation is different. Naturally, I hope he can renew, but we are all aware that the player cannot train at the moment as he is still recovering from the injury sustained at the end of last season. This is likely why the timeline is somewhat extended. My primary hope is that he recovers physically as quickly as possible and subsequently reaches an agreement with the club."

Regarding corporate timelines, Roma has been without a Chief Executive Officer, a General Manager, and a Technical Director for some time. Do you believe these figures are truly missing and could help expedite certain operations? Furthermore, how is it working in a club where the ownership is not physically present for most of the year?

"I oversee the technical area, so I prefer to leave aside everything concerning corporate organization and other sectors of the club. At present, the technical area is highly effective, unified, competent, and capable. For me, this is the most crucial aspect. We began working together a week ago, and I would say we have started very well. I enjoy a direct relationship with the Ownership, so in that regard, I lack absolutely nothing. It is a very authentic relationship based on direct dialogue. At times, timelines may differ rather than viewpoints, but one must also respect the individual characteristics of everyone involved. As I mentioned before, we might be a bit slow to start, but we can become an efficient tractor capable of covering significant ground. I believe we have set off, and I am convinced that in the coming weeks this diesel engine will begin to reach a higher speed."

During last season, you mentioned that Roma would need three or four targeted signings to strengthen the squad. Do you still expect this type of development during the summer? Additionally, does Çelik’s departure leave Roma short in that position, making another signing necessary?

"My view has always remained the same: we need those three or four quality signings. However, compared to the squad that finished the championship, we must also consider the players who were on loan and have departed. I believe there were five of them. Consequently, those three or four new additions were meant, in part, to replace them, but through specifically targeted operations. Naturally, you must adapt to circumstances. If a player departs, you must replace them; otherwise, you cannot complete the squad. As I stated earlier, Çelik has left, and we will certainly take action to replace him in that role. Otherwise, we would be left exposed, and it is only logical that we intervene."

You previously mentioned that you thought Champions League qualification would be sufficient to settle accounts with UEFA. With the ownership present at Trigoria, have you understood whether the sale of at least one key player will be required?

"On these matters, over the past year—from last June to the present day—there has been a continuous evolution and shifting of information. This was likely the case for the Ownership as well, because the agreement with UEFA is complex and the figures can change from time to time. As I said before, unfortunately, we must adapt. A major sale will likely be necessary. The deadline was extended beyond June 30th to allow more time for all clubs involved, as Roma is not the only club in this situation. The hope is to resolve this matter definitively. That is what we all desire, though I realize it is not easy to rectify a situation in a few months that developed over several years. The task is challenging from a financial perspective, but we will give our all to resolve the issue permanently. This would also grant the club greater freedom in its investments and choices. It is undoubtedly an arduous task, particularly for the Sporting Director. Nevertheless, this situation does not prevent Roma from making signings and incoming transfers. If you will, that is positive news."

What is your assessment of the arrival of Tony D’Amico, someone you have already worked with? How important is this proximity and the ability to work side-by-side on a daily basis?

"We certainly know each other well, having worked together for several seasons. Our relationship is direct and constant, and communication between us is continuous, always fully respecting his role. He is the one driving the transfer market, negotiations, relations with other clubs, and everything within his remit. Clearly, however, when you know each other and are aware of mutual needs and challenges, the work becomes smoother. We are working with an excellent spirit, and this mutual understanding is undoubtedly an advantage."

How many signings do you expect in attack, particularly regarding wide forwards? And what is the role of Soulé, who was at the center of several market rumors in June? How have you found him physically after his struggles with pubalgia? Is he a central figure in your project, or could transfer scenarios open up?

"At this moment, as wide forwards, we have Soulé and Dybala. That is all. Therefore, I expect two players in that position. Soulé being at the center of the market? In this period, I see every player at the center of the market. There are thousands of names linked with incoming and outgoing moves. I believe many of these situations are driven by agents, who move around, meet people, and hold discussions. Then you, quite rightly, report on those meetings and even simple conversations that may take place. What truly matters, however, is understanding whether concrete offers and real negotiations exist, both incoming and outgoing. Those are the important factors. The player reported for duty with his usual availability. He arrived with a few extra pounds *(laughs)*, but he is shedding them very well and working in the correct manner."

What will the hierarchy be in midfield? In light of the transfer market, the World Cup, and contract renewals, could anything change or do you already have clear ideas?

"At this moment, we have four midfielders, all of whom are highly capable and reliable. I anticipate that we will have many matches to play. It is not an exceptionally large department, but this is also a conscious choice of mine, precisely to give everyone the opportunity to play frequently, consistently, and with confidence. Therefore, at this moment, we are well-positioned as we are."

Considering the other Serie A teams and the European clubs you will face in the Champions League, do you believe Roma is falling behind in the transfer market? Would you have preferred to have at least one new signing available at the start of the training camp, or, knowing the situation, are you on track with what you envisioned?

"At the end of last season, we all hoped to begin pre-season preparation with a few additional players. However, we knew full well that with the World Cup, many players would be occupied and would therefore arrive gradually. It appears to me that, with very rare exceptions, this situation affects almost every team. The market has remained relatively stagnant for everyone during this period. We lost several players who had arrived on loan, so perhaps we are numerically shorter compared to other teams and must first replace them. Now, however, it feels as though the market is beginning to open up generally. Clearly, we would prefer to be further ahead, but we are nonetheless aligned with the current timelines of the market."

Are profiles like Summerville or Greenwood sustainable for Roma, or are aims being set too high?

"Evidently, these are not straightforward operations, but it represents a deliberate choice rather than an inability on the part of Roma or the ownership to afford them. The decision is to establish certain parameters for contracts, and I believe this is a correct and significant approach. There are players who guided the team to third place and Champions League qualification; seeing them substantially surpassed in terms of wages by newly arrived players could certainly create issues within the squad. Establishing a wage cap is also beneficial for the club, as it is essential to keep the wage bill under control. When it is not possible to sign a player while respecting these parameters, it is clear that we must look toward alternative profiles."