Galantic on Roma's Champions League return: 'We must always be there'. Transfer watch continues as Gasperini demands excellence

John Galantic, Roma's new CEO, spoke to Sky Sport following the Champions League league-phase draw on 27 August 2026. "Great emotion, all the teams are difficult to face," he said. "I have been a huge Roma fan since I was small, for me this is more than a job: it is passion. First month has been complicated with the transfer market and pre-season, but it is good to understand the sporting side well because that is where value is created." On head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Galantic emphasised the club's competitive standing. "Winners are always demanding, that is better. We are vigilant on market opportunities but Gasperini has also said he is happy with the squad he has. We are stronger than last year. I want to thank the fans, the squad and Gasperini—Roma must always be in the Champions League." Galantic's remarks came as Roma were drawn into the Champions League league phase for the 2026-27 season, having finished third in Serie A in 2025-26.

Roma's new CEO John Galantic spoke at the Champions League draw ceremony on 27 August, reflecting on the competition draw and the club's prospects for the 2026-27 season. He described the experience as 'a great emotion' and acknowledged that all teams in the competition are difficult opponents. 'There are passionate challenges though, it will be beautiful for our fans and the squad—we will be ready,' Galantic said. Asked about facing Real Madrid under Mourinho, he expanded his view: 'Yes, but also PSG and the other matches.' Galantic outlined his opening weeks at Roma as 'a baptism of fire' across the transfer market, the league campaign, and the pre-season retreat. He emphasised that sporting excellence drives value creation. 'At the beginning 90 per cent is relative to the sporting side—that's where value is created. The commercial side is important, but that's throwing fuel on the fire. The fire is on the pitch,' he explained. On the final days of the transfer window, Galantic confirmed Roma remains watchful for opportunities but stressed that Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed satisfaction with the arrivals. 'We are vigilant until the end of the market for some opportunity, but Gasperini has said he is happy with the players who have arrived. We are stronger than last year,' Galantic said. Galantic revealed his long-standing attachment to Roma. 'I have been a huge supporter since I was a child. For me it is more than a job—it is passion. I am honoured and very committed,' he said. He credited the upcoming campaign's importance for a strong start on Monday, while also acknowledging Gasperini, the staff, and the supporters. 'In the Champions League, Roma must always be there,' Galantic concluded.

Roma's Champions League opponents are now confirmed following the draw in Monte Carlo on 27 August 2026, with fixtures against Real Madrid and PSG among eight matches in the league phase. New CEO John Galantic spoke to Sky Sport about the excitement of the competition and the club's ongoing transfer activity. "A great emotion. I'll start with the most obvious comment—all teams are difficult. But there are thrilling challenges; it will be wonderful for our fans and the squad, and we'll be ready," Galantic said in Italian. He acknowledged the romantic appeal of facing Real Madrid but stressed that PSG and the other opponents also present significant tests. Galantic, who is American and described himself as a passionate Roma supporter since childhood, outlined his approach to the role. "For me it is more than a job—it is passion. I am honored and very committed. This first month has been a baptism of fire between the market, the league, and the training camp. At the start, 90 per cent concerns the sporting side, where value is created. The commercial side is important, but that is throwing fuel on the fire—the fire is on the pitch." He confirmed that Gasperini has indicated satisfaction with the players who have arrived, noting that Roma are stronger than last season. Asked whether the Champions League challenge would push Roma to make further moves before the market closes, Galantic acknowledged Gasperini's demanding standards. "Winners are always demanding—it is better that way. We remain alert until the end of the market for any opportunities, but Gasperini has said he is happy with the players who arrived. This moment is important for a strong start on Monday, but we must also thank the fans, Gasperini, and the staff. Roma must always be in the Champions League."