Gasperini confirms Roma already planning long-term future together

Gasperini then spoke about planning: “It’s clear that there has been a particular development in recent weeks, and we must give credit to the club, which likely suffered a major unexpected disappointment and was forced to take a different path than initially envisioned. However, I don’t believe other teams have already done everything at this point. Even those who start a little later can still get back on track. It’s clear that the owners will need the time and clarity to make the decisions, but they also have the ability and resources to do so in the best possible way.”

The coach then discussed his relationship with Sporting Director Massara and congratulated the Women’s team on their Scudetto win: “Right now, I’m returning to the match against Fiorentina. As I said, there are two tracks: one concerns the current season, and therefore a very important match like tomorrow’s. As for the rest, there will be time to discuss it in the right ways and at the right times. It will be primarily the club that will express its opinion on these aspects. One track is clear, and that’s on the pitch; the other requires time because it concerns next season. It’s not the time to go into details now, although it will be necessary to clarify what we want to build. The Women’s Scudetto win was wonderful, fantastic. We must take a cue from them: the Scudetto may still be a long way off for us, but our goal must be to become a good and competitive team like theirs. Congratulations.”

On a possible meeting with the Friedkins: “It should be like this, I hope so. Right now, however, the focus remains on the games and the championship, and rightly so. When the time comes to discuss the future, we will. It seems like we’re getting closer to that moment, but when it happens, everything will have to be as clear and transparent as possible.”

The Grugliasco-born coach then spoke about the players whose contracts were expiring: “This has been a unique season, with so many players out of contract and several out on loan. It wasn’t easy, under these conditions, to reach four matchdays from the end with such a strong turnout, while remaining competitive and still in contention. It was a risky situation. For this, I must give great credit to the players, who have shown extraordinary professionalism and dedication.”

“The response seen in Bologna, for example, is significant. I can only thank these guys, whose performances have shown they are on the team’s side, on Roma’s side, aiming to achieve the best possible result. This deserves recognition, because it’s not just technical or athletic qualities that matter: there are also very strong moral values, which are essential for a football team. This is the foundation on which to build. Then, if you can also add high-caliber players to further raise the quality, then you’ve truly hit the mark.”

Finally, the coach spoke about the team’s individual progress: “Everyone has room for improvement, not just the younger ones. It’s clear that those who have played fewer championships may seem to have more room for improvement, but in reality, you can improve at any age, always gaining something extra. Yes, I’m satisfied. Everyone has worked well so far; no one has been overlooked.”

“Everyone has had the opportunity to play multiple times and contribute, even those who have been given less playing time. The team’s behavior, both in training and in matches, has always been impeccable: there have been no problems or incidents. They’ve all been very professional, exemplary, and for that I can only thank them. The fact that we’re still here, playing for everything with just a few matchdays to go, is thanks to them.”