Gasperini demands more new signings for Roma: ‘Can’t be hypocrites’
Gian Piero Gasperini was happy with Evan Ferguson’s performance in a 1-0 win over Kaiserslautern, but demanded more new signings: ‘It’s just the reality, and we can’t be hypocrites.’
Gasperini’s Roma secured a 1-0 win over German side Kaiserslautern in a summer friendly on Saturday.
“It was a preparation match, but we held the field well,” Gasp told reporters after the game, via Gazzetta.
“The team already has an identity, but everything can be improved, including fitness. We surely did some good things. We introduced some young players toward the end, and it became a different game in the second half with a whole new team.
“We had no intention of pressing their goalkeeper. They played a lot through him, but we only pressed occasionally as it would have been demanding,” continued the new Giallorossi coach.
Gasperini’s verdict on Brighton loanee Ferguson
“Ferguson is a player who presses and can create these chances. If you win the ball high up the pitch, you have good chances of scoring. We need to get to know Evan and exploit his depth. In some situations, we could have looked for him more. We need to get used to involving the strikers a bit more, but that’s something I’ll work on during the games.”
Gasperini had urged the club to complete more new signings last week and sent a similar message this time around.
How many new players does he need to complete the team?
Gasperini wants more new signings for Roma
“You tell me this. I’ve been counting since May, since the end of the season, and it’s quick math,” Gasp replied.
“This is no excuse; it’s just the reality, and we can’t be hypocrites. Take a look at who left and who is missing. Arithmetic isn’t an opinion; it’s just counting.”
Aside from Ferguson, who moved to the Stadio Olimpico on a loan deal with an option to buy from Brighton, Roma also signed Neil El Aynaoui from Lens and will soon welcome Wesley from Flamengo.
The Brazilian landed in the capital on early Sunday morning, but will return to Brazil after medical tests and contract signing to complete bureaucratic documents needed to complete his move to Roma.
“Coaches always want things done quickly because otherwise, what’s the point of pre-season if half the squad leaves? This applies to everyone, but that’s just the way it is,” concluded Gasp.
“I hope what we have in mind can be realised. I know it takes more than a month, but I don’t know how long because the transfer window and coaches never move at the same pace. It would be great to bring to life what the club and I have in mind.”