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Kumbulla eyes Gasperini role after spells at Espanyol and Mallorca
·12 July 2026·90d ago

Kumbulla eyes Gasperini role after spells at Espanyol and Mallorca

Source: Forza Roma

Marash Kumbulla has returned to Roma following loan spells at Espanyol and Mallorca, the latter ending in relegation on the final day of the season. The Albanian defender is contracted to Roma until 2028, but his future remains uncertain as the club seeks clarity on his position under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

In an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport, Kumbulla expressed openness to competing for a place in the squad. "I don't know yet what will happen this summer," he said. "I'm at Roma for now, then we'll see if I can play my cards or if we'll look for a shared solution with the club." He acknowledged that Gasperini's tactical approach could suit his abilities: "I have characteristics that could be suited to Gasperini's style of play. At Verona, where I worked under Juric who is similar in some ways, I was able to use my qualities. Without doubt, Gasperini is one of the best coaches in Italy and Europe — the facts speak clearly."

Kumbulla also reflected on his time under José Mourinho at Roma, recalling the 2023 Europa Conference League triumph in Tirana, before drawing a contrast with the form of fellow defender Mario Hermoso, who appeared destined to leave but has become a key player under Gasperini.

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Marash Kumbulla has returned to AS Roma following loan spells at Espanyol and Mallorca, with his future at the club to be determined during pre-season under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Albanian defender, contracted until 2028, told Corriere dello Sport he remains open to competing for a place but acknowledged discussions are ongoing about a potential departure. "I have characteristics that could be suited to Gasperini's football," Kumbulla said, noting the coach's tactical approach could play to his strengths. Forza Roma adds that Kumbulla drew comparisons between Gasperini and former Verona boss Ivan Juric, under whom he previously thrived. Both outlets reference Kumbulla's positive memories under José Mourinho, with the defender recalling Roma's 2023 Europa Conference League victory in Tirana as "one of the most beautiful nights of my life." Corriere dello Sport further notes Kumbulla benefited from facing elite attackers in Spain, singling out Sorloth as particularly challenging during his time in La Liga.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Tra i diversi giocatori rientrati a Trigoria dai prestiti c'è anche Marash Kumbulla. Il difensore albanese, reduce dalle ultime due stagione all'Espanyol prima e al Maiorca poi (con cui è retrocesso all'ultima giornata), ha un contratto con la Roma fino al 2028. Il futuro del centrale ex Hellas…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

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