Gasperini takes aim at Mourinho ahead of Roma clash

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out discussing Endrick with José Mourinho ahead of tomorrow's match, stating that the transfer market holds no interest for him at present. Gasperini said: "We have just begun a run of matches and we will experience tomorrow's fixture as an event that has been missing for many years. We will live it that way." The fixture marks a significant occasion for Roma, with Gasperini emphasising the weight of the occasion. He added: "Tomorrow we will understand our level but we must not lose sight of who we are. Mou deserves the affection of the people." The comments come as Roma prepare for a match Gasperini considers a defining moment in the club's current campaign, though he has signalled that squad reinforcements are not a priority in his immediate thinking.

Donyell Malen spoke alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at a press conference on the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Olimpico. The Dutch forward is targeting an immediate redemption after his recent dismissal in the match at Como. Malen will face Real Madrid for the second time since joining Roma, having previously encountered them with Borussia Dortmund, including the 2024 Wembley final. He expressed his frustration over the red card but emphasised his intention to move forward quickly. On the challenge ahead, he said: "Dobbiamo concentrarci su noi stessi, non sulla distanza che ci separa da loro. Per quanto successo contro il Como provo delusione e frustrazione, ma non era mia intenzione fare male a nessuno. Per domani sono molto motivato, sarà una grandissima serata e un'occasione per misurarci contro una delle migliori squadre d'Europa" — translating to: "We must focus on ourselves, not the distance that separates us from them. I feel disappointment and frustration about what happened at Como, but I had no intention of hurting anyone. For tomorrow I am very motivated; it will be a tremendous evening and an opportunity to measure ourselves against one of Europe's best teams." Malen credited his settling-in period at Roma to the manager's faith in him, his teammates' welcome and the supporters. He explained: "Dopo la partita mi sono scusato anche nello spogliatoio" (After the match I apologised in the dressing room too). On the significance of playing in the Champions League, he noted: "Fin da quando sono arrivato, la Champions League era il nostro obiettivo. Ora siamo riusciti a raggiungerlo e abbiamo l'opportunità di goderci una serata speciale come quella di domani contro il Real Madrid." He also stressed the importance of the crowd: "Sarà molto importante poter contare sui nostri tifosi, soprattutto nei momenti difficili della partita. Il pubblico riesce sempre a trascinarci" (The support of our fans will be very important, especially in the difficult moments of the match. The crowd always manages to lift us).

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 October ahead of Roma's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. Gasperini framed the encounter as an opportunity to test Roma's competitive level against one of Europe's elite sides. "We verify it tomorrow," he said. "For us it's a good moment. We want to measure ourselves against a squad that is among the best in Europe, even if perhaps they need a period of adjustment because they have changed manager and playing style. It remains a squad that beat Inter—it's a prestigious match that also counts for the standings." Gasperini emphasised that Roma should not abandon their identity against such opposition. When asked about Roma's defensive approach against top teams, he stated: "Our attitude brought us to win the Champions League, it is clear that we know the value of Real Madrid but it is not the first squad of value we meet. Real are a squad that when you think you are putting them in difficulty, that is the moment they score a goal. It is part of the great squads that have great players. I do not believe Roma should distort its characteristics." He added that Roma's return to the Champions League itself represented a significant achievement for the club, comparing the current squad to his previous work with Atalanta and framing the ongoing project as one requiring patience. On José Mourinho, who managed Roma until last season, Gasperini predicted the Roma supporters would offer him recognition before kick-off. "There has been important affection from the fans towards Mourinho," Gasperini said. "He deserves the recognition of the people. Then the match begins and everyone lets go of all sentiments and the people of Rome will only support their own squad." Regarding what he might learn from Mourinho, Gasperini offered: "If I could take something it would be the empathy to have yourself taken extraordinary players and spend notable sums—that is fantastic." On squad availability, Gasperini confirmed that Konstantinos Koulierakis returned to group training on 12 October, while Bryan Cristante requires further recovery time following the Como fixture. Gasperini noted that Real Madrid, despite their individual quality, still require match fitness and cohesion. "They have great resources, they remain a squad capable of winning any type of match," he said. "On the purely playing side they have margins and they will be able to improve." The fixture will be Roma's next serious test after recent domestic engagements, with Gasperini stressing that the Champions League competition itself offers the club vital resources for development regardless of trophies won.