Former Greece coach on Tsimikas’ fit at Roma: “He’s perfect for Gasperini.” | OneFootball

Former Greek national team coach Gustavo Poyet spoke on Tele Radio Stereo about Kostas Tsimikas, Roma’s new signing.

He addressed several topics, including how the 1996-born player could adapt to Gian Piero Gasperini’s game, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses.

“I was surprised by Tsimikas’ move to Roma, because he was doing very well at Liverpool, but perhaps the rotation and not playing often had an impact. We talked about it in the national team, when I was coaching Greece, as soon as he signed his contract renewal with the Reds.”

“I imagine Roma will have convinced him, perhaps by speaking with the coach; it would be really interesting to understand how the Giallorossi changed his mind.”

“I haven’t followed Roma much, but from the information I’ve gathered, I know they play with three defenders. The key issue is how much opportunity Tsimmy, as I call him, has to play on the wing, as a full-back, having the freedom to participate and push forward because he knows he has a defender behind him ready to protect him. I think his characteristics are a good fit for that system, more so than a four-man defense.”

“As I said before, I think he’s perfect in terms of his characteristics. I remember Gasperini’s Atalanta when they came to Greece to play against Olympiakos (in 2022, Atalanta won 3-0, ed.): they made a great impression on me with their organization and ease of running. I think they chose Tsimikas not only for his international caliber, his experience with Liverpool and the Greek national team, but also for Tsimikas’ typical characteristics, because he thrives in a very intense game.”