ROME - Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the topic of José Mourinho's return to the Stadio Olimpico, acknowledging the Portuguese coach's bond with the Giallorossi fans but making clear that the focus is entirely on the Champions League challenge against Real Madrid. The press conference at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini preceded the European fixture in which Roma, second in Serie A with 17 points, want to measure themselves against one of the continent's strongest teams.
Gasperini expressed great respect for Mourinho's past at the helm of the club. "It's right that it should be so, towards Mourinho there has been important love and he deserves the recognition of the people," declared the coach. "These are things everyone feels, you can't stop them." The message is clear: affection for the former manager is legitimate, but once the kick-off is given, support must be total for the team on the pitch.
Analysis on Real Madrid
Attention then shifts to Tuesday's opponent. Gasperini analysed Real Madrid, a team that has changed coach and which, in his view, needs time to gel. While recognising the great resources at the disposal of the Blancos, with players like Mbappé and Bellingham capable of deciding games, the Roma coach believes Carlo Ancelotti's side can still improve for compactness. Roma come from a draw with ten men against Como and a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid just two weeks ago, a match in which current Roma top scorer Donyell Malen, with 6 goals this season, netted a brace.
Squad status and objectives
On the injury front, Gasperini provided updates. Koulierakis has returned to training with the group, while Bryan Cristante will need more time to recover after the demanding trip to Como. The team, however, is in good spirits for this type of match. The coach's stated objective is to grow the Roma project and aim for even more important achievements than those reached with Atalanta, looking to exploit the resources guaranteed by Champions League qualification. "For José, his results speak; if I could take something it would be the empathy he has, the ability to get extraordinary players bought for notable sums," added Gasperini.
The league context sees Roma firmly in the Scudetto race, just two points behind leaders Inter, having taken 10 points from their last 5 matches. After the European commitment, thoughts already turn to the trip to the San Paolo against Napoli, scheduled for Saturday 24 October, a fixture that could further shift the standings. Gasperini's team has shown character, as demonstrated by the recent 2-0 win over Genoa, and now must confirm it on the most prestigious stage, seeking to capitalise on the positive moment in the league.
This story first appeared at TeleRadioStereo
