Gian Piero Gasperini believes Roma’s recent performances have reinforced their ability to compete with top opposition, but says his side must improve their response to setbacks after surrendering a two-goal lead against Real Madrid.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Genoa, the coach also addressed Roma’s squad depth, backed Santiago Castro to seize his opportunity and suggested Lorenzo Pellegrini could move into midfield amid the injury absences.
“We Can Compete With Anyone”
Despite the disappointment of Wednesday’s Champions League defeat, Gasperini believes Roma have demonstrated their quality during a demanding sequence of matches.
“This team has quality and has been showing it for months, but let’s not talk about the Scudetto or targets, because that makes things complicated,” he said.
“Recently, we have faced Inter, Como and Real Madrid. In all these matches, we demonstrated our quality. Then certain situations or absences can arise during a game, and things depend on that.
“Sometimes you arrive with everyone available, sometimes you don’t. Sometimes unexpected things happen, like Malen’s sending-off, which was difficult to imagine.
“We come out of these three matches stronger in our belief that, if nothing unusual happens, we can compete with anyone.”
Roma Must Respond Better to Setbacks
Gasperini acknowledged that Madrid’s goal to make it 3–2 had a psychological impact on his players, identifying their reaction as an area requiring work.
“The other night, there was certainly a psychological blow at 3–2, and that is something we absolutely have to work on and address.
“This team must not feel that it has to win the Champions League or the Scudetto at all costs. This team simply has to express itself. If your morale drops, what matters is always the performance, always how you measure up against these clubs.
“We know matches are decided in the closing minutes. We decided them late against Parma and Atalanta. We suffered against Inter and Real Madrid. We can address that through organisation and a strong response.”
The coach also pointed to Endrick’s impact in changing the course of the European encounter.
“The other night, Endrick provided the turning point with two headers. When it comes to the closing stages, many of these teams decide matches this way.
“When they no longer have the ability to create through their play, they resolve it like that. It is a fact, and we acknowledge it. We will try to address it in the future.”
Gasperini Calls for Depth to Match the Calendar
Asked whether Roma need a larger squad, Gasperini stressed that the demands of the current schedule require greater depth.
“Today, we cannot do anything in the transfer market. When people say I complain… teams playing in these competitions today cannot have the same squad depth as a few years ago, with this calendar.
“We can also draw on the youth sector; we will never have to play with ten men, but the standard of European competition requires much more.”
His comments come as Roma manage injuries to important players while preparing for another quick turnaround against Genoa.
Pellegrini Could Move Into Midfield
Gasperini hopes Bryan Cristante will return for the trip to Napoli, although his recovery could extend to the following fixture.
“We hope to recover Cristante for the match against Napoli or, at the latest, the one after that. Given the shortage of numbers we have in the middle, Pellegrini has all the qualities to play in midfield.”
The coach also explained that Pellegrini is still rebuilding his physical strength following his lengthy absence.
“Pellegrini underwent surgery, was out for months and is recovering some strength. He is on the right path.”
De Roon Offers Reliability
Gasperini expressed confidence in Marten de Roon’s ability to handle the workload, praising both his fitness and his motivation.
“De Roon will play many more than four matches in ten days. He has great consistency and has never had difficulties.
“He is a healthy athlete and is highly motivated by this experience. His goal against Real rewarded the decision he made. He is an absolutely reliable player.”
Castro Has a “Great Opportunity” Against Genoa
With Donyell Malen suspended, Castro is set for a chance to make an impact after limited involvement in the previous two matches.
“Castro is a talented young player. In these last matches, he didn’t get opportunities only because of how the games against Como and Real Madrid developed.
“But he knows the league well, and tomorrow certainly represents a great opportunity for him.”
Soulé Fit as Gasperini Backs Young Attackers
Gasperini also offered reassurance over Matías Soulé’s condition and expressed confidence in the development of both the Argentine and Rodrigo Mora.
“Soulé and Mora are two young players who are undoubtedly improving. Soulé is 23; he is not yet the finished product, but he is a quality player. The same goes for Mora. There is no problem with these lads.
“Soulé is fine. He took a few knocks, but he is fine.”
Source: Gian Piero Gasperini’s pre-match press conference.
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