Gasperini dodges transfer market questions in pre-match presser | OneFootball

After Lecce, he remained silent. Today, he spoke at a press conference from Trigoria on the eve of Roma-Sassuolo.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed several issues, not just the pitch. “It’s raining today, do you want me to talk so much?” the coach began jokingly in an evidently calm atmosphere.

On the Friedkins’ presence: “The ownership is here, and that’s a great sign, as is the fact that he’s staying here for a few weeks. This way, they can take care of the team directly.”

On the pitch: “Wesley isn’t here yet, we’ll see tomorrow, he’s got a strong flu. We’re losing Dovbyk to injury and Cristante is suspended, but we’ve got Hermoso and Mancini back. It’s an emergency, as it has been for a few games.”

Gasperini presented the match against Sassuolo this way: “We must never underestimate anyone. We were perhaps among the best in this type of match, like tomorrow’s. There’s a great balance; you have to be at your best in every match. Lecce’s response, despite many absences, was important. The boys train well and with enthusiasm, and they always give strong responses.”

And when asked specifically about Giacomo Raspadori, he replied: “Has anyone ever heard me talk about the transfer market or Raspadori? You’re very good and very knowledgeable; you don’t know things like I do. You know everything very well, but I’m certainly not the one who fuels these things. I only talk about the Roma players who go on the pitch.”

Gasperini preferred not to discuss the transfer market, responding as follows: “If you talk like this summer, you’re complaining; if you don’t talk about it, you’ll be interpreted… There’s no need for me to talk, you know everything, you have our sources. Tonight I’m watching Sky and Di Marzio, who knows everything, like you.”

On the transfer market, he simply added: “Personally, I’m happy. Roma has a strong and competitive core. It’s a challenge because we have so many players whose contracts are expiring and on loan. If we can do something in January, we can improve; if I look to the future, it’s more complicated. The presence of the ownership is a great sign.”

“We can emerge from the current transfer window with something more, but we have the games now. In the Coppa Italia, we’ll lose Mancini and get Cristante back, no one else. This is an important moment with nine games in a month; we knew that. But this, too, is an experience…”

The coach also spoke about his relationship with Roma’s management: “I work very well on the pitch because it’s a compact and cohesive group. And that’s the absolute guarantee. The fact that the owners have been here for a long time, every day, perhaps for the first time, is worth more than the 36 points we’ve earned.”

Ndicka and El Aynaoui are still out, playing in the Africa Cup of Nations. Gasperini jokes: “I’m hoping for the Morocco-Ivory Coast final. It means the two players are well-trained. Cameroon-Morocco tonight? Come on, Cameroon… I’m kidding.”

When asked about Angeliño’s condition, the coach remained cautious: “He’s not ready yet. But it’s a medical issue, and the doctors have to give the answers, not me.” Finally, regarding the team’s current form and his relationship with Claudio Ranieri, he explained: “I thank the players because, given what we have, we’ve done well. I don’t know if we’ll win the Scudetto or qualify for the Champions League, but I’m gratified by the players and the games. The fans and the people know we’re trying to do everything we can. Cristante and Mancini’s contract renewals? The club is talking about it. Ranieri? Excellent relationship. After his knee surgery, he couldn’t play well (laughs), but now he’s here often. He’s discreet and respectful of the roles, but there’s always a good exchange.”