Gasperini: Coach and sporting director must be ‘connected’ hints at Koné’s Roma exit | OneFootball

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists that the coach and sporting director must be ‘very close and connected’ but hints that Manu Koné might leave the Olimpico in the summer.

Roma are preparing for an away game at Parma, who have already secured survival.

On the other hand, the Giallorossi are still fighting for a Champions League place, just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus.

Parma vs. Roma – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference

“Every game is decisive, especially now, with only three remaining,” Gasperini said at a press conference on Saturday, via Gazzetta.

“Parma play good football, even if they have secured survival, no team ever gives anything away, and this is positive.

“I’ve known [Parma coach] Carlos Cuesta; he is a very prepared lad. He immediately reached the top despite his young age. He can be risky at times, but he has proven himself.”

Gasperini has been given increasing power by club owners who sacked Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri two weeks ago.

Ranieri was on bad terms with Gasperini, and the same is true of Roma sporting director Frederic Massara, who is also expected to leave the club at the end of the season.

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Gasperini was asked whether Roma are already late in planning ahead for next season.

“A lot depends on what the club wants to do, so we need to turn to them,” he replied.

I don’t see anyone holding an advantage. Things evolve quickly at the end of the season.

“This is a valuable group, as the results prove. Their reaction in difficult moments was evident,” he added.

“Obviously, the Champions League brings more substantial financial resources to the market, and everyone wants to qualify for this reason, but the world is full of clubs that know how to operate well even without considerable resources.”

Atalanta sporting director Tony D’Amico is expected to leave the Nerazzurri after the club reached an agreement with Cristiano Giuntoli, according to Matteo Moretto.

epa11702421 Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi (L) and Atalanta Sporting Director Tony d’Amico watch a training session of the team at the Bortolotti training center in Zingonia, Italy, 05 November 2024. Atalanta will face VFB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League on 06 November in Stuttgart. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

“We are focused on the season. Any hypothesis concerns many teams,” Gasperini said.

“I must work with my ideas; the coach and the sporting director must work together, not with everyone taking different paths. They need to speak honestly to technically improve Roma in a way that is compatible with the resources and the coach’s ideas.

“That must be the only goal. Those are two roles that must be very close and connected, giving mutual support by understanding each other’s difficulties. My way of playing has brought certain results, and I want to carry forward my strengths. I’m looking for players who can help me develop my playing style.”

Roma might need to sell one of their stars for financial reasons if they fail to qualify for the Champions League and Koné is said to have attracted interest from many clubs.

“Nobody is unsellable in modern football, except for some top clubs,” explained Gasp.

“Again, talking about the top four, without resources, it’s something that we must consider. But these offers are rare; it’s mostly just rumours. Koné is a strong player, and I hope he continues to play for Roma, but it will depend on offers that might allow us to do different things.”

According to reports in Italy, Gasperini is pushing for contract extensions of Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik.

“It doesn’t seem to me that I’ve been involved. If I am, I’ll have my say,” the coach noted.

“They are very busy right now, and when the time comes for them, we’ll be able to talk. Evidently, it’s still not the right time, but it will come, and we must all be convinced. We won’t be allowed to have doubts or uncertainties.”