Roma coach cites Saelemaekers’ words on modern refereeing and simulation after the defeat against Udinese.
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Frustration, anger, and a sense of resignation. Gian Piero Gasperini did not hide his disappointment after AS Roma were beaten by Udinese, a match decided by a free kick converted by Ekkelenkamp.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Gasperini went beyond tactics and results, launching a broader reflection on the current state of football. To make his point, he referenced a recent interview given by Alexis Saelemaekers to Italian journalist Ivan Zazzaroni, in which the Belgian winger openly discussed how players increasingly exaggerate contact in the penalty area.
“Unfortunately, this is what football is becoming,” Gasperini said. “In that interview by Zazzaroni with Saelemaekers, there’s everything you need to understand what’s happening. Players look for these situations, they know how to exploit them, and very often they get rewarded. Our bad luck is that from one of those moments the goal came.”
Saelemaekers had explained how, after minimal contact, players tend to go down instinctively, sometimes staying on the ground longer to draw the referee’s attention — a dynamic Gasperini believes is now deeply ingrained in the game.
Objectives and Reality Check
The Roma coach also addressed questions about expectations and objectives following the January transfer window. His tone remained blunt.
“You need to make up your minds,” Gasperini said. “One person asks me about qualifying for the Champions League, another talks about the U23s. We’re discussing young players like Robinio Vaz and Venturino. If we don’t agree on what we want, we’ll always be unhappy.”
Gasperini then defended his team’s performance against Udinese, despite the defeat. “Udinese have eleven points fewer than us — did you see that difference on the pitch? They’re a strong side. Serie A is a very tough league.”
Finally, he acknowledged the unforgiving nature of top-level management. “Maybe at the end of the season we won’t reach the Champions League, and then the coach will be changed and that’s the end of it. I work with what I’m given.”
Strong words that reflect not just the disappointment of a single loss, but a deeper unease with modern football dynamics — on the pitch, in the standings, and in the expectations surrounding Roma’s season.
