Hermoso: Gasperini has given us a great mentality

Mario Hermoso spoke at a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's return to the Champions League against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The Spanish defender will appear alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to preview the fixture, addressing Roma's approach to European football, the challenge posed by Fenerbahce in one of Europe's most intimidating atmospheres, and the significance of a strong opening. Hermoso outlined Roma's readiness: "To play a great match, we need to know the opponent's strongest points. We've done that work. This match doesn't change anything. The intensity and mentality will be the same we showed against Atalanta. For us it's a new competition and we need to raise our level compared to Serie A." He emphasised the importance of Roma's recent form, noting that the side arrives on the back of three positive performances and must use the Champions League as an opportunity to test themselves at the highest level. The defender highlighted the defensive discipline required: "For us it's important not to concede and put our strikers in a position to score." On the mentality driving the group, Hermoso referenced his own involvement in midfield during the recent win over Atalanta, explaining that commitment to winning is shared throughout the squad. "The coach has instilled in us this message—to train hard and have the confidence and willingness to play face-to-face against every team. We are in a moment of growth and want to send a message to everyone that we are ready." He praised Gasperini's methods: "Gasperini's football adapts very much to the European style. The coach demands pressing football and intensity suited to these European nights. We have the will to arrive and carry out all the situations the coach prepares in training and explains in the dressing room." Hermoso concluded by noting Roma's development under the new management: "Gasperini, when he arrived, put the mentality of growth in each of us as a squad. From last season to this season we have grown. We are all happy with how we play and the great step we've made reaching this stage."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's first UEFA Champions League fixture at Fenerbahçe, confirming that Paulo Dybala is fit and ready to lead the squad's return to Europe's elite competition after a lengthy absence. Gasperini said: "Dybala is already showing what his consistency is, because his value is recognised. He seems to have improved thanks to this culture of self-improvement through work, the whole squad." The coach also addressed Roma's momentum after eight consecutive victories, attributing the upturn partly to technical improvements across the team. "We've raised the technical level over recent months, helped by a year of working together," Gasperini explained. "The fact that we score more is also down to this—with Dybala, with Malen, but with the whole squad." Roma's only confirmed absentee remains Lorenzo Pellegrini, whom Gasperini expects to recover soon. Gasperini described Fenerbahçe as a formidable opponent: "Fenerbahçe is a squad of absolute value. It has changed many players but there are many important ones. They will grow over time. They will need time but they have quality." Asked about the energy boost from Roma's dramatic 83rd-to-95th-minute turnaround against Atalanta in Serie A, Gasperini acknowledged the psychological lift but stressed the different demands of Champions League football. "When you lose at 83' and win at 95' you have additional energy," he said. "But this is a new competition for Roma—there is curiosity on our part to compare ourselves with the best sides from every country." Gasperini emphasised Roma's readiness to deploy squad rotation as fixture congestion increases after the international break. "We now have the possibility of getting more players to play," he said. "We can put new solutions in without losing quality." On Dybala's fitness specifically, Gasperini stated: "Apart from Pellegrini, we are all here. Dybala gave a lot of energy on Saturday. But he is fine." The squad report 43 Champions League matches as head coach—a milestone Gasperini views as confirmation of the competition's prestige. "I believe it is the most prestigious competition, which everyone wants to reach," he said.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's return to the Champions League, addressing the club's ambitions as they prepare to face Fenerbahçe. The head coach emphasised the significance of the competition, saying: "It is undoubtedly the most important club competition, aside from the World Cup for national teams. I believe it is the most prestigious competition of all, the one every player and coach wants to participate in." Gasperini reflected on Roma's progress this season and the impact of recent reinforcements. He noted that the squad remains united and determined, and that technical quality has improved over recent months. "We have raised the level, advantaged by the fact that we have a year of matches and shared knowledge behind us," he said. "The quality has improved with Dybala, not only with Malen, but with the whole squad. The fact that we are scoring more goals mirrors this." He confirmed that the squad is fit and ready, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only absentee but expected to return soon. Gasperini drew confidence from Roma's dramatic comeback against Atalanta, when the team scored twice in the final moments to overturn a deficit in the 83rd minute. "When you overturn a match like that, when you were losing at 83' and winning at 93', it gives you energy and joy that is certainly greater," he said. However, he stressed that the Champions League presents a different challenge. "We will face top teams in their own leagues and especially squads with extraordinary players who can change the result in a balanced match through their individual skill. We must know this and try to control it, but we must also be clever not to lose our identity, to trust our means and know that we can also put opponents in difficulty." Gasperini said the match in Istanbul would test Roma's character: "It begins tomorrow on a very important stage, very hot, and there we will already be able to see how much strength and personality we have."

Mario Hermoso spoke at a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's return to the Champions League against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. The Spanish defender will appear alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to preview the fixture, addressing Roma's approach to European football, the challenge posed by Fenerbahce in one of Europe's most intimidating atmospheres, and the significance of a strong opening. Hermoso outlined Roma's readiness: "To play a great match, we need to know the opponent's strongest points. We've done that work. This match doesn't change anything. The intensity and mentality will be the same we showed against Atalanta. For us it's a new competition and we need to raise our level compared to Serie A." He emphasised the importance of Roma's recent form, noting that the side arrives on the back of three positive performances and must use the Champions League as an opportunity to test themselves at the highest level. The defender highlighted the defensive discipline required: "For us it's important not to concede and put our strikers in a position to score." On the mentality driving the group, Hermoso referenced his own involvement in midfield during the recent win over Atalanta, explaining that commitment to winning is shared throughout the squad. "The coach has instilled in us this message—to train hard and have the confidence and willingness to play face-to-face against every team. We are in a moment of growth and want to send a message to everyone that we are ready." He praised Gasperini's methods: "Gasperini's football adapts very much to the European style. The coach demands pressing football and intensity suited to these European nights. We have the will to arrive and carry out all the situations the coach prepares in training and explains in the dressing room." Hermoso concluded by noting Roma's development under the new management: "Gasperini, when he arrived, put the mentality of growth in each of us as a squad. From last season to this season we have grown. We are all happy with how we play and the great step we've made reaching this stage."

Gian Piero Gasperini has announced his squad for Roma's Champions League return at Fenerbahçe on 10 September at 18:45. Lorenzo Pellegrini is the only absentee from the travelling party to Istanbul but is expected to be available for Roma's Serie A match against Torino on Monday. Otherwise Gasperini has the full group at his disposal, including Devyne Rensch, and can select from: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Fenerbahçe–Roma on 10 September at 18:45, marking the Giallorossi's return to the UEFA Champions League. Devyne Rensch is back in contention after a spell out, but Lorenzo Pellegrini will miss the Istanbul trip and plays no part in the squad. Gasperini otherwise has his full European list available. The squad named comprises: Goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini; Defenders Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi; Midfielders Cristante, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora; Forwards Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.