The Pagellone | From the South Stand Banner to De Rossi's Words

Amantino Mancini, a former Roma winger, has praised Wesley's first season at the club during an interview on Radio Romanista. Mancini highlighted Wesley's intensity, work rate, and offensive capabilities as a left-sided player, noting that the Brazilian has settled well into Roman football. Mancini said: "Wesley me is always liked, I like his characteristics, how he moves on the pitch. I said when Roma was acquiring him that it would be very useful, because he is of great intensity, never stops. He has the characteristics of all Brazilian full-backs who are very offensive. Maybe he leaves something to be desired defensively because even I when I arrived at Roma played as a full-back and improved thanks to Capello. Wesley has fitted in very well at Roma, many Brazilians at Roma settled immediately because the climate and the support are very similar to those in Brazil. Wesley took advantage of this period and had a wonderful season." Mancini drew parallels with his own career transition, recalling how moving from right to left-back under Spalletti transformed his game. He predicted Wesley will continue on the left flank next season but warned that opponents have now studied him closely. Mancini also expressed confidence in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's ability to guide Roma's next phase, emphasizing the need for experienced signings to strengthen the squad for Champions League football. He suggested Roma should make two or three strategic acquisitions to elevate the team's competitive level in European competition.

Rudi Garcia, former AS Roma coach and current Belgium manager, has discussed his relationship with player conduct during an interview with Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad. Garcia revealed he was aware of off-pitch habits among his players but prioritized on-field performance. His comments reflect the pragmatic approach some managers take when balancing discipline with results. The remarks provide insight into Roma's management philosophy during Garcia's tenure, when he oversaw the club's tactical and selection decisions. Details of the full interview remain unclear from the available excerpt.

Rudi Garcia, former Roma manager and current Belgium coach, has spoken about his relationship with midfielder Radja Nainggolan during his time at the club. In an interview with Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, Garcia praised Nainggolan's abilities: "Radja, what a player. Rarely have I seen a footballer with such an incredible shot, such high athleticism and such rapid recovery capacity." Garcia acknowledged Nainggolan's unprofessional lifestyle, saying: "Yes, of course I knew that Radja smoked. But as long as he performed on the pitch, I didn't care." Garcia reflected on Nainggolan's impact during Roma's title challenges, noting that the midfielder arrived to strengthen the squad after Kevin Strootman's injury, joining established midfield figures Miralem Pjanic and Daniele De Rossi. The manager highlighted Nainggolan's paradox—his carefree approach was simultaneously a weakness and a strength, allowing him to play with natural spontaneity that generated significant impact on the pitch. Garcia also referenced comparable situations at other clubs, mentioning a goalkeeper at Roma—later identified as Wojciech Szczesny at Arsenal—who smoked in the dressing room in England. The former coach's comments underscore a pragmatic approach to player management, prioritizing on-field performance over strict behavioral control.