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.
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Roma's new CEO John Galantic spoke at the Champions League draw ceremony on 27 August following the club's qualification for the league phase. Describing the experience as "a great emotion," Galantic acknowledged that all teams in the competition present difficult challenges. Both Retesport and Roma News capture his optimism about the season ahead, with Galantic emphasising that Roma must always be present in European football's elite competition.
Galantic, a lifelong Roma supporter since childhood, has characterised his opening weeks at the club as demanding, navigating the transfer market, pre-season preparations, and league commitments. He stressed that sporting excellence is where value is created, calling it the "fire" on the pitch that underpins everything else. Roma News quotes him explaining that "at the beginning 90 per cent is relative to the sporting side," while the commercial operation follows. Both outlets report that despite remaining vigilant for late transfer-window opportunities, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed satisfaction with the squad assembled. Galantic expressed commitment to the role, stating his passion for Roma transcends professional obligation, and credited Gasperini, the staff, and supporters as Roma aim to strengthen their position following a third-place Serie A finish in 2025-26.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“A margine della cerimonia del sorteggio di Champions League, il nuovo CEO della Roma John Galantic ha parlato ai microfoni di Sky Sport commentando il responso dell’urna e le prospettive del club per la stagione appena iniziata:
Un commento sul sorteggio?“Una grande emozione, comincio con il…”
Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.