Dovbyk opens up on Roma struggles: pressure made mistakes impossible

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Roma are using the international break to take stock of the transfer market and the club's finances, with the UEFA verdict on financial fair play now postponed to May. The decision on the settlement agreement will arrive in spring 2027 rather than November, but the delay does not free Roma from their economic constraints: the club must continue to respect UEFA parameters in the winter window too. Gasperini and D'Amico are waiting for direction from the ownership. In attack, Paulo Dybala is nearing a return from injury, reopening the Dovbyk question. Gasperini faces a delicate choice: during Dybala's absence, Matías Soulé has become increasingly influential playing on the right, the position Dybala prefers. Among the possible solutions is moving the number 21 to the opposite flank, a tactical dilemma ahead of the match against Parma. Meanwhile, Bologna are reportedly considering terminating Artem Dovbyk's loan early in January, after just five appearances and one league goal. According to Moretto, a return to Trigoria would not be automatic and would require agreement between the clubs and the player, unless specific clauses apply. The summit to plan January is approaching, but according to Il Tempo, the American ownership is not expected to travel to the Capital. The talks could therefore involve chief executive John Galantic above all. The key issue remains the budget available for reinforcements, with Gasperini and D'Amico awaiting answers. On other targets, Endrick is a Real Madrid player whom Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, wants to see in more regular action, while Mourinho continues to oppose his departure. The player's entourage has denied a reported Milan refusal on religious grounds. Roma remain interested in a loan, but the deal cannot progress without Real Madrid's approval. Roma continue to monitor Lookman, who has been used less and less at Atlético Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone is unlikely to accept a sale without a worthy replacement, and the move remains complicated. Gasperini would gladly reunite with the Nigerian, a key figure in the 2024 Europa League triumph. Gasperini is also pushing for Frosinone winger Kvernadze, who has scored three goals and provided four assists in the first eleven matchdays. According to La Gazzetta, Roma could move as early as January rather than waiting for the summer, but Frosinone are preparing a significant salary increase to keep the Georgian. Elsewhere, Jorge Mendes is reportedly seeking a formula to facilitate a move for Barcelona full-back Balde, a Roma target, according to Sport. Roma would prefer a loan, while Barcelona want to recoup a fee, and the possible breakthrough could come in the final days of January. Off the pitch, Roma are accelerating plans for the new stadium. The club aims to deliver the executive project before Christmas, as announced by Lucia Bernabé, the club's head of institutional relations, speaking at the Social Football Summit. The goal is to advance through the process for the new venue following its recognition of public utility.

Roma are preparing their January transfer strategy, with the aim of signing two forwards on loan, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is eager to strengthen the squad. The directions come from Trigoria and combine the ambition of Gasperini with the caution and realism of the ownership. They are simple but not final, and will be updated and shared in the coming weeks. The people handling the negotiations have been at work since early September, but every move must be assessed and approved, or rejected, by the Friedkin family. Sporting director D'Amico knows this well, having been through the same process over the summer. Gasperini said after the win over Sassuolo at the Olimpico, and before the international break: "La Roma è competitiva, ma non numericamente." The sporting director spoke in much the same way that evening, also making clear the type of player Roma want: a high, attacking winger. Roma have 23 players in the squad, which, counting three goalkeepers, leaves just 20 outfield players. Lulli nearly left at the last minute to gain experience, as often happens to players of his age. D'Amico has already understood how he must operate, even without official communication. The plan is loan deals, both of them, while avoiding exceeding the wage bill ceiling. The next step is identifying suitable players. Those considered in the summer are viable options: Luiz Henrique, Leweling and Gittens. Endrick is an obvious target. However, closing deals in the style of Malen, a loan with an obligation (or right) to buy, is too early. Roma need players who are well coached but at odds with their manager or club, ready and willing to change teams. The club are targeting unhappy players, as happened with the Dutchman under Emery at Aston Villa. Waiting is necessary, as injuries and suspensions often cause managers and directors to change their minds about discarded players. Beyond the summer attempts, the agent of Lookman has made clear that his client, little used by Simeone, is pushing to leave Atlético Madrid. Endrick's position is not new; he was close to Roma in the summer. The Brazilian wants to play more. He has no space at Real Madrid, but Mourinho is holding on to him and has already said he will not help the Friedkins. Gasperini is waiting to learn whether and how he will be satisfied. Nobody has spoken with him, not Dan, Ryan or Corbin, and Galantic cannot comment. No meeting is scheduled at present. Endrick would be ideal for Gasperini, who also needs a winger with pace and power, something the squad currently lacks. It is a promise not kept from last year.

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Roma are using the international break to take stock of the transfer market and the club's finances, with the UEFA verdict on financial fair play now postponed to May. The decision on the settlement agreement will arrive in spring 2027 rather than November, but the delay does not free Roma from their economic constraints: the club must continue to respect UEFA parameters in the winter window too. Gasperini and D'Amico are waiting for direction from the ownership. In attack, Paulo Dybala is nearing a return from injury, reopening the Dovbyk question. Gasperini faces a delicate choice: during Dybala's absence, Matías Soulé has become increasingly influential playing on the right, the position Dybala prefers. Among the possible solutions is moving the number 21 to the opposite flank, a tactical dilemma ahead of the match against Parma. Meanwhile, Bologna are reportedly considering terminating Artem Dovbyk's loan early in January, after just five appearances and one league goal. According to Moretto, a return to Trigoria would not be automatic and would require agreement between the clubs and the player, unless specific clauses apply. The summit to plan January is approaching, but according to Il Tempo, the American ownership is not expected to travel to the Capital. The talks could therefore involve chief executive John Galantic above all. The key issue remains the budget available for reinforcements, with Gasperini and D'Amico awaiting answers. On other targets, Endrick is a Real Madrid player whom Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, wants to see in more regular action, while Mourinho continues to oppose his departure. The player's entourage has denied a reported Milan refusal on religious grounds. Roma remain interested in a loan, but the deal cannot progress without Real Madrid's approval. Roma continue to monitor Lookman, who has been used less and less at Atlético Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone is unlikely to accept a sale without a worthy replacement, and the move remains complicated. Gasperini would gladly reunite with the Nigerian, a key figure in the 2024 Europa League triumph. Gasperini is also pushing for Frosinone winger Kvernadze, who has scored three goals and provided four assists in the first eleven matchdays. According to La Gazzetta, Roma could move as early as January rather than waiting for the summer, but Frosinone are preparing a significant salary increase to keep the Georgian. Elsewhere, Jorge Mendes is reportedly seeking a formula to facilitate a move for Barcelona full-back Balde, a Roma target, according to Sport. Roma would prefer a loan, while Barcelona want to recoup a fee, and the possible breakthrough could come in the final days of January. Off the pitch, Roma are accelerating plans for the new stadium. The club aims to deliver the executive project before Christmas, as announced by Lucia Bernabé, the club's head of institutional relations, speaking at the Social Football Summit. The goal is to advance through the process for the new venue following its recognition of public utility.

Roma and Bologna are set to hold talks in the coming weeks to discuss the future of striker Artem Dovbyk, according to Matteo Moretto. Bologna are reportedly beginning to doubt that Dovbyk is the right striker for their side, in light of the difficulties he has encountered settling in so far. Roma, however, have not planned for the Ukrainian's return in January. The Giallorossi have set their annual sporting plan without including the reintegration of the former Girona forward at mid-season. The upcoming talks between the two clubs will establish the best solution for all parties involved. Dovbyk joined Roma in July 2024 from Girona in a deal worth €38m, and he is on loan at Bologna. The coming discussions will decide whether the centre-forward's situation is resolved before the winter window.

Mile Svilar and Paulo Dybala are edging back towards the starting XI, with the goalkeeper's medical giving a positive result during the international break. Svilar had been sidelined by a stress fracture to the fifth toe of his right foot, picked up in training just over a month ago. He opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery, which allowed the bone callus to form correctly. The Belgian has already trained on the pitch, albeit in a differentiated programme alongside Pierluigi Gollini. The club's aim is to have him back as a regular starter for the trip to Parma when the league resumes. Dybala, who has also returned to group work, could also start from the first minute. Roma are also linked with Atalanta left-back Lorenzo Bernasconi, born in 2003, whose name is picking up transfer speculation ahead of the January window. The left-back, who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, has attracted interest from several major clubs including Roma, Milan and Newcastle. His consistency and constant forward runs down the flank have fuelled international interest in a player considered one of the most promising young players in his position in the league. Atalanta, who value their talents highly, are reportedly valuing his contract at between 20 and 25 million euros. Artem Dovbyk, currently on loan from Roma, left the capital last summer in search of more regular football, but his spell at Bologna has not gone as hoped. Injuries and a change of coach have limited his opportunities, and his situation could change during the January window, as Bologna are reportedly considering ending the loan early in the winter session. The two clubs will discuss the matter in the coming weeks. The Ukrainian striker is not part of Gasperini's plans. On Roman radio, the return of Svilar and Dybala was debated. Alessandro Vocalelli told Radio Radio: "Dybala's absence was felt more than Svilar's. Gollini did very well, although he conceded a few goals he perhaps could have avoided. Vasquez, on the other hand, did his job: he saved a penalty, then had it retaken, and on the goals conceded he had little responsibility." Luigi Ferrajolo added: "Vasquez and Gollini conceded two goals from over 25 metres, but the calmness Svilar brings is something else. Gollini was unlucky because he was playing a good game before his injury. I would start with Soulé and Dybala and then bring on Mora during the match, because I don't think Dybala has 90 minutes in his legs and he needs managing."

Roma are using the international break to take stock of the transfer market and the club's finances, with the UEFA verdict on financial fair play now postponed to May. The decision on the settlement agreement will arrive in spring 2027 rather than November, but the delay does not free Roma from their economic constraints: the club must continue to respect UEFA parameters in the winter window too. Gasperini and D'Amico are waiting for direction from the ownership. In attack, Paulo Dybala is nearing a return from injury, reopening the Dovbyk question. Gasperini faces a delicate choice: during Dybala's absence, Matías Soulé has become increasingly influential playing on the right, the position Dybala prefers. Among the possible solutions is moving the number 21 to the opposite flank, a tactical dilemma ahead of the match against Parma. Meanwhile, Bologna are reportedly considering terminating Artem Dovbyk's loan early in January, after just five appearances and one league goal. According to Moretto, a return to Trigoria would not be automatic and would require agreement between the clubs and the player, unless specific clauses apply. The summit to plan January is approaching, but according to Il Tempo, the American ownership is not expected to travel to the Capital. The talks could therefore involve chief executive John Galantic above all. The key issue remains the budget available for reinforcements, with Gasperini and D'Amico awaiting answers. On other targets, Endrick is a Real Madrid player whom Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, wants to see in more regular action, while Mourinho continues to oppose his departure. The player's entourage has denied a reported Milan refusal on religious grounds. Roma remain interested in a loan, but the deal cannot progress without Real Madrid's approval. Roma continue to monitor Lookman, who has been used less and less at Atlético Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone is unlikely to accept a sale without a worthy replacement, and the move remains complicated. Gasperini would gladly reunite with the Nigerian, a key figure in the 2024 Europa League triumph. Gasperini is also pushing for Frosinone winger Kvernadze, who has scored three goals and provided four assists in the first eleven matchdays. According to La Gazzetta, Roma could move as early as January rather than waiting for the summer, but Frosinone are preparing a significant salary increase to keep the Georgian. Elsewhere, Jorge Mendes is reportedly seeking a formula to facilitate a move for Barcelona full-back Balde, a Roma target, according to Sport. Roma would prefer a loan, while Barcelona want to recoup a fee, and the possible breakthrough could come in the final days of January. Off the pitch, Roma are accelerating plans for the new stadium. The club aims to deliver the executive project before Christmas, as announced by Lucia Bernabé, the club's head of institutional relations, speaking at the Social Football Summit. The goal is to advance through the process for the new venue following its recognition of public utility.

Paulo Dybala could return to Roma's starting line-up for the trip to Parma on 21 November at 18:00, with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly considering the Argentine from the first minute. Eleven Roma players have been called up for the international break, more than any other club's squad in the article's account, and Argentina is the nation with the most Giallorossi on duty. Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé are all with Argentina, which plays Uruguay on 14 November and Costa Rica on 18 November. The Costa Rica fixture is the problem for Gasperini. After that match, Soulé, Castro and Balerdi will not return to the capital until 19 November, leaving the head coach just two days to work with them and the rest of the group before the Parma trip. That is before allowing for the tiring long-haul journey. For this reason, Gasperini is reportedly weighing Dybala from the start against Parma, while Soulé could begin on the bench and be brought on during the game. The club's Telegram and WhatsApp channels offer free Roma news updates to fans on their phones.

A Porto executive has insisted that the Rodrigo Mora deal is worth €50 million overall, even though the initial transfer was set at a lower figure. He said the club had invested €37 million in the 2026/27 summer window, compared with around €110 million the previous summer, and had made sales worth €78 million, counting Mora at €50 million. He explained the structure: "It was 25 million euros for 50%, but we have an option that depends solely on our will. For us it is a 50 million euro operation." Roma's attention is now turning to the left flank, where the squad is reportedly short of a player with pace. Sporting director D'Amico, formerly of Atalanta, is looking to Brazil to give Gian Piero Gasperini a new piece to complete the squad and make it more competitive. According to market expert Ekrem Konur, Roma like Flamengo's Samuel Lino, and the club have reportedly already offered €25 million, which Flamengo have rejected. Kostas Manolas has looked back on his time in the Capital, with personal memories, behind-the-scenes market stories and views on some of the figures from that period, speaking to Betardes. On Roma's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, which followed the comeback against Barcelona, he still has regrets. "We go to Liverpool and I have the worst dream I could have in my life. I dream that a tooth falls out. I believe in these things. When I had that dream, I understood it would be a very difficult day. One or two of their goals were offside, but we were very poor. And I was very poor too. I can tell you that it was one of my worst Champions League matches. I was really terrible." Back at the Olimpico, he disputed several refereeing decisions: "We should have won. El Shaarawy shoots and Alexander-Arnold pushes the ball away with his hand before it goes in. It is a penalty and a red card. We could have made it 3-2 in the 55th minute and turned the game around. Then there is another incident: a penalty that is not given for an offside that does not exist. There is no offside. If there had been VAR, we would have gone to the final. We had come back against Barcelona and we would have come back against Liverpool too." Roma are also still tracking Endrick of Real Madrid, a target pursued at length over the summer, who has scored his only goal of the season against Roma. Speaking to GloboEsporte, the 20-year-old said: "I am only 20, so I will see how things evolve. I just want to play, be happy and help my teammates. I don't know what will happen in January; it is in God's hands. I only ask for what is best for my career." He added: "Whatever is meant to happen will happen. I will keep my feet on the ground and continue to give my absolute best. Madrid is a wonderful city, but I will always do whatever is necessary to advance my career."

Former Roma defender Kostas Manolas has spoken at length to Betardes about his time in the Italian capital, reflecting on Francesco Totti, Luciano Spalletti, the 2017/18 Champions League campaign and his move to Napoli. Manolas said Totti was the best person he has met in football: "È la persona migliore, la più umile. Non posso dire una sola parola negativa su di lui. Prima di essere un calciatore è un uomo. Mi accolse come fossi suo figlio. Per questo siamo sempre stati molto vicini. Ancora oggi ci sentiamo al telefono. Sapeva cosa fare con il pallone un'ora prima che gli arrivasse. C'era una differenza enorme tra lui e tutti noi, tecnicamente e mentalmente. Totti mi aiutò. Se non fosse stato per lui, non avrei rinnovato. Mi convinse. Era come un fratello per me e non potevo dirgli di no. Totti dovrebbe essere dentro la Roma. Non è possibile che sia fuori. Se fossi il presidente, lo terrei a vita, nel ruolo che desidera." Manolas also addressed Totti's retirement, which he said was not the player's own decision: "Piangevo anch'io. Non potevi fare altrimenti. L'avevo vissuto negli ultimi giorni e vedevo come stava affrontando la situazione. Non voleva smettere. È stata la società a farlo smettere. La società, l'allenatore, Spalletti… Totti voleva continuare a giocare. Secondo me aveva ancora qualcosa da dare. Magari non era più nella migliore condizione fisica, ma anche negli ultimi tempi entrava e segnava. In quei 15, 20 o 30 minuti riusciva sempre a fare qualcosa, un assist oppure un gol." On Spalletti, Manolas separated the coach's qualities from his manner with players: "È un allenatore molto, molto, molto bravo. Come persona però è difficile. Per me non si comporta correttamente con i calciatori. Ma come allenatore è uno dei migliori che abbia mai avuto, se non il migliore. Io dico la verità. Solo perché non si comportava bene con me, non posso dire che fosse un cattivo allenatore. Era un grandissimo allenatore. Se dicessi il contrario sarei un bugiardo." The defender recalled the dressing-room mood before the second leg against Barcelona in the 2017/18 quarter-finals, when Roma trailed 4-1 from the first leg. Manolas said that De Rossi, Kolarov, Džeko, Pellegrini and others at a table were convinced they would win 3-0: "Siete pazzi da legare! Ma come facciamo a vincere 3-0? Pensate davvero che non prenderemo neanche un gol da questi? Quello che dite non esiste. Sono tutte stupidaggini. Oggi ne prenderemo altri tre o quattro e ce ne andremo a casa." He then described the decisive goal, scored from a corner taken by Cengiz Under: "Io al primo palo andavo molto raramente. Ma avevo visto Under in allenamento e sapevo che spesso calciava forte senza riuscire a superare il primo uomo. Così sono andato sul primo palo. Ho colpito di testa, la palla ha fatto quello che doveva fare ed è entrata. Non so neanch'io come spiegartelo." Roma's run ended in the semi-finals against Liverpool, and Manolas still has regrets about his own performance in the first leg: "Andiamo a Liverpool e faccio il peggior sogno che potessi fare nella mia vita. Sogno che mi cade un dente. Io credo a queste cose. Quando ho fatto quel sogno, ho capito che sarebbe stata una giornata molto difficile. Uno o due dei loro gol erano in fuorigioco, ma noi siamo stati molto scarsi. E anch'io sono stato molto scarso. Posso dirti che quella è stata una delle mie peggiori partite in Champions League. Sono stato davvero pessimo." In the return leg at the Olimpico, he disputed several refereeing decisions: "Avremmo dovuto vincere. El Shaarawy tira e Alexander-Arnold respinge il pallone con la mano, prima che entri in porta. È rigore ed espulsione. Avremmo potuto fare il 3-2 al 55' e avremmo ribaltato la partita. Poi c'è un altro episodio: un rigore che non ci viene dato per un fuorigioco che non esiste. Non c'è nessun fuorigioco. Se ci fosse stato il VAR, saremmo andati in finale. Avevamo rimontato contro il Barcellona e avremmo rimontato anche contro il Liverpool." Manolas also described a transfer to Zenit that collapsed over the contract currency. He said the figures were to be written in roubles, which he rejected: "Arrivo all'incontro e mi dicono che le cifre del contratto sarebbero state scritte in rubli. Mi spiegano che il rublo può salire o scendere anche del 20%. Io gli dico che voglio gli importi in euro. Mi rispondono che non è possibile, che sono l'unico giocatore a volerlo. Gli dico che, se esco da quella riunione, non tornerò più indietro, perché sono superstizioso. Mi dicono di andare via. Quando sono a casa mi chiamano e mi dicono che hanno accettato di mettere tutto in euro. Ma io rispondo che ormai è troppo tardi." On his return to Rome, he said he was told he would no longer play: "Quando tornai, mi dissero che non avrei più giocato e che non avrei più fatto niente. Io risposi che non c'era problema, che ci saremmo presi un caffè e alla fine avremmo visto chi avrebbe giocato." He does not regret the decision: "Non tutti i mali vengono per nuocere. È questo che è rimasto nella storia. Avrei potuto guadagnare 10 milioni in un anno, invece sono rimasto alla Roma per meno di un terzo. Ma quello che ho fatto per me vale dieci volte tanto." Finally, Manolas explained his move to Napoli after five seasons in giallorosso: "Non avevo pazienza. Il mio ciclo alla Roma si era chiuso. Cinque anni, e vedevo che la squadra non riusciva a fare quel passo in più per competere davvero. Avevamo provato a vincere il campionato, ma lo avevamo perso contro la Juventus, che allora era fortissima. Era come l'Olympiacos in Grecia, difficilissima da affrontare. Vedevo che in quel momento il Napoli era una squadra che, dal punto di vista calcistico, aveva standard più alti rispetto alla Roma. Non volevo lasciare l'Italia. Negli anni precedenti avevo avuto offerte dalla Juventus, ma quell'anno non ne avevo. Così decisi di andare al Napoli." On the financial side, he said: "La Roma doveva prendere quei soldi. Aveva un problema enorme con il fair play finanziario. Doveva incassarli. Alla fine mi convinsero e andai al Napoli."

Former Roma defender Kostas Manolas has said that VAR would have taken Roma to the final, in a long interview with the Greek portal Betarades. Speaking about his time in the giallorosso, he covered Francesco Totti, Luciano Spalletti, the comeback against Barcelona and the semi-final defeat to Liverpool. Manolas described Totti as the best person he had met in football. “He is the best person, the most humble. I cannot say a single negative word about him. Before being a footballer he is a man. He welcomed me as if I were his son. That is why we have always been very close. Even today we talk on the phone. He knew what to do with the ball an hour before it arrived. There was an enormous difference between him and all of us, technically and mentally.” Manolas said Totti helped persuade him to renew his contract: “If it had not been for him, I would not have renewed. He convinced me. He was like a brother to me, and I could not say no to him.” He added: “Totti should be inside Roma. It is not possible that he is outside. If I were the president, I would keep him for life, in the role he wants.” On Totti's retirement, Manolas said: “I was crying too. You could not do otherwise. I had lived it in the last days and I saw how he was facing the situation. He did not want to stop. It was the club that made him stop. The club, the coach, Spalletti... Totti wanted to keep playing. In my opinion he still had something to give. Maybe he was no longer in his best physical condition, but even in recent times he came on and scored. In those 15, 20 or 30 minutes he always managed to do something, an assist or a goal.” On Spalletti, he was blunt: “He is a very, very, very good coach. As a person, however, he is difficult. In my view he does not treat players correctly. But as a coach he is one of the best I have ever had, if not the best. I tell the truth. Just because he did not behave well with me, I cannot say he was a bad coach. He was a great coach. If I said the opposite I would be a liar.” Manolas also spoke about the collapsed move to Zenit. He said the contract figures had first been drawn up in roubles, and that he insisted on euros because the rouble could move by as much as 20%. He said he was told he was the only player who wanted this, and that the club later agreed to euros, but by then he said it was too late. On his return to Roma, he recalled being told he would no longer play. “I replied that it was not a problem, that we would have a coffee and in the end we would see who would play.” He reflected on the Barcelona match and the goal he scored. “Not all bad things come to harm. That is what has stayed in history. I could have earned 10 million in one year, but I stayed at Roma for less than a third of that. What I did for myself is worth ten times as much.” On why he left, he said: “I had no patience. My cycle at Roma had closed. Five years, and I saw the team could not take that extra step to really compete. We had tried to win the league, but we lost it to Juventus, who were very strong then.” He said Napoli had higher standards at that time, adding: “I did not want to leave Italy... So I decided to go to Napoli.” He also said the club needed the money because of a major financial fair play problem: “Roma had to take that money.” Before the Barcelona game, he recalled a team table where De Rossi, Kolarov, Džeko, Pellegrini and others predicted a 3-0 win. “I looked at them and said: ‘You are crazy! How can we win 3-0? Do you really think we will not even concede a goal to these lot? What you are saying does not exist. It is all nonsense. Today we will take three or four more and go home.’” He described his goal: “I very rarely went to the near post. But I had seen Ünder in training and knew he often shot hard without getting past the first man. So I went to the near post. I headed it, the ball did what it had to do and went in. I do not even know how to explain it.” On the semi-final against Liverpool, Manolas said he had a bad dream before the trip: “I had the worst dream I could have in my life. I dreamed a tooth fell out. I believe in these things. When I had that dream, I understood it would be a very difficult day. One or two of their goals were offside, but we were very poor. I was very poor too. That was one of my worst Champions League games. I was really terrible.” He was most frustrated by the second leg. “We should have won. El Shaarawy shoots and Alexander-Arnold pushes the ball away with his hand before it crosses the line. It is a penalty and a red card. We could have made it 3-2 in the 55th minute and turned the game around. Then there was another incident: a penalty not given for an offside that does not exist. There is no offside. If there had been VAR, we would have reached the final. We had come back against Barcelona and we would have come back against Liverpool too.”