Roma coach addresses tensions with Ranieri and Massara, calls for unity, and shifts focus back to the pitch ahead of Bologna clash
One day after Roma made their choice official, Gian Piero Gasperini finally broke his silence.
Following the departure of Claudio Ranieri, the Giallorossi coach faced the media and made his position crystal clear: he wants to move on — and focus only on football.
“I Didn’t Create This Situation”
Gasperini didn’t hide his surprise at how events unfolded.
“I never felt this level of tension before. I was honestly surprised,” he said. “I didn’t do anything. Period. I didn’t create this situation, so don’t put me on the same level.”
The message was direct — a clear attempt to distance himself from the controversy that has shaken Roma over the past two weeks.
“I’ve been dragged into something that isn’t about football. I just want us to get back to doing football inside this club.”
No Chemistry with Massara
Gasperini also addressed his working relationship with sporting director Ricky Massara — and admitted the lack of alignment.
“He’s a very good person,” Gasperini said. “But from a technical standpoint, we never really had that feeling. It was never personal — just about football decisions.”
The coach emphasized the importance of unity between manager and sporting director:
“They need to work as a pair and share responsibility for results.”
With Massara notably absent from the club’s official statement earlier in the day, speculation is growing that another departure could soon follow.
Backed by the Club
Despite the turmoil, Gasperini reiterated that he has always felt supported by ownership, led by Dan Friedkin.
“The club’s trust has never been missing,” he said. “From day one, I’ve felt that support. And the most important thing is that Roma comes before everything.”
Eyes on the Pitch
With a crucial match against Bologna FC 1909 approaching, Gasperini was eager to shift attention back to the field.
There was also an update on Paulo Dybala:
“Starting him is very difficult. He’s only just returned after more than 80 days out. Maybe he can play a part during the game, but he still needs confidence in physical situations.”
Gasperini acknowledged how decisive Dybala could be in the final stretch:
“He will have a big impact on how we finish the season.”
Still Something to Play For
Despite recent struggles, the Roma coach defended his team’s overall campaign.
“This team has given me a lot of satisfaction,” he said. “We had a dip, but over the course of the season, I’m happy. Defensively, we’ve been at a very high level.”
With five matches remaining, Roma are still chasing a Champions League spot — and Gasperini wants total focus.
“We still have an objective. Fifteen points are still available.”
A Reset — or Just the Beginning?
With Ranieri gone and tensions still fresh, Roma enter a decisive phase both on and off the pitch.
For Gasperini, the priority is simple:
End the noise.
Restore unity.
Win games.
Now, it’s up to results to validate the club’s choice.
