Roma coach plays down transfer talk, focuses on injuries and unity ahead of Sassuolo clash: “I only speak about Roma players”
On the eve of Roma–Sassuolo, Gian Piero Gasperini struck a tone that was equal parts realistic and protective. Speaking from Trigoria, the Roma coach acknowledged the difficulties facing his squad—injuries, absences, and a packed schedule—while making one thing clear: this is not the time for distractions, especially from the transfer market.
“We’re in an emergency”
Roma arrive at the Olimpico riding the momentum of a hard-earned win in Lecce, but the situation remains delicate.
“We’re in an emergency, like we’ve been for several matches now,” Gasperini admitted. The injury list is long and constantly shifting: Wesley is battling a strong flu and will be assessed on matchday, Bryan Cristante is out, while Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso return—but Artem Dovbyk is sidelined again.
“We’re losing and recovering players every week,” Gasperini said. “Tomorrow we’ll also have at least five Primavera players in the squad.”
No market talk, no exceptions
Asked directly about Giacomo Raspadori and how he would fit into Roma’s attack, Gasperini shut the door firmly.
“Have you ever heard me talk about the market or about Raspadori?” he replied. “I only talk about Roma players. Tomorrow they go on the pitch and must try to get a result.”
The coach underlined how easily focus can be lost in such a competitive league. “I’ve seen Milan almost lose, Juventus draw with Lecce, Napoli draw with Verona. This shows how balanced Serie A is. Every match is difficult.”
The silence after Lecce
Gasperini also addressed his post-match silence following the Lecce win, a decision that sparked speculation.
“I hoped you would talk about the performance and the achievement,” he explained. “Instead everything changed. If you speak, you’re accused of complaining. If you don’t, everything gets interpreted anyway.”
His message was blunt but calm: the team’s effort mattered more than narratives.
Objectives and the future
On Roma’s ambitions, Gasperini avoided setting rigid targets. “This squad has a strong, competitive core,” he said. “The objective is always to improve the team. January can help us add something, but looking further ahead is complicated because of expiring contracts and loans.”
The immediate concern, however, is the schedule: nine matches in a month, Coppa Italia, and Europa League commitments, all while managing limited resources.
Defense still thin
Even beyond the current crisis, Gasperini admitted the defense still needs attention.
“Yes, we’re short at the back,” he said. “Without Evan Ndicka, we’re only four. But these are strategic discussions I have with the club. You don’t sign players just to sign them—you sign to improve.”
“The club’s presence is worth more than 36 points”
Perhaps the most revealing line of the press conference came when Gasperini spoke about ownership.
“The fact that the club is here, so present, is worth more than the 36 points we’ve earned,” he said, referring to the time spent in Rome by the Friedkin family.
His relationship with Dan Friedkin was described as aligned and constructive. “When we talk, we’re always on the same page about what Roma want to become and why I came here.”
Focus on Sassuolo
Despite everything, Gasperini remains confident in the group. “I work well on the pitch because this is a compact, cohesive team that gives everything,” he said. “That’s my biggest guarantee.”
No talk of transfers, no shortcuts—only an emergency to manage, a match to win, and a club presence that, in Gasperini’s eyes, matters more than any number in the standings.
