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Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini answered questions from reporters at the English retreat of the Giallorossi.

The final phase of the Roma retreat continues. The destination chosen by the Giallorossi is England, where the team is training in preparation for upcoming friendlies, with the start of the season becoming increasingly imminent. Directly from St. George’s Park in Burton, coach Gian Piero Gasperini briefly answered questions from the reporters accompanying the Roman squad. Here are his words:

Roma, Gasperini comments on the transfer market and the team’s condition

What is your assessment of the retreat so far?

“Good. We are now in the final phase of preparation. This is an ideal place due to the climate, and we have these already challenging matches which are good tests.”

Paulo Dybala’s condition.

“He is here with us and following a differentiated program to recover from his surgery. We know it’s a situation to monitor, but we hope that from next week, once we return to Rome, he can rejoin the group.”

How many players are missing now?

“That’s not the point. The point is that there are some positions that need to be filled, then everything will depend on how strong we can be upfront, which will determine the team’s strength, as it is taking shape. Then someone will need to complete and reinforce.”

What is needed to be competitive?

“It’s not just us, but all teams. They all spend big money on forwards. The attacking department is the most sought after and most expensive. Teams with strong attacking players are more competitive.”

Dovbyk.

“He was paid a good amount. He has shown that he is a valuable striker, scoring goals. We are working to improve some of his weaknesses, like his ability to be more involved in the game. He shouldn’t be too early or too late, it’s like music: if you’re out of time, it’s a problem.”

What is missing from your Roma?

“I’m happy with all the guys, they have been commendable. It’s a team that works, has team spirit, and a sense of belonging. Many things can be said, but not that there is no commitment and attachment to Roma.”

Wesley.

“He is a player that Roma was looking for. I knew him well because with Atalanta, we had practically finalized the deal, then it fell through at the last moment. It’s not a specific request of mine, but a profile that the club was following for that position. We’re talking about a 2003-born player who plays for the Brazilian national team and has great room for improvement. Playing in Flamengo at that age means he already has a good background. If he were a complete player already, he would have cost a different amount.”

There is a lot of talk about Echeverri.

“I never talk about individual players who are not ours, I have never named names. I have great respect for Roma’s scouting department, which is top-notch. Sometimes I can give suggestions, but the policy is clear: I like good players.”

What characteristics are you looking for in the attacking midfielder?

“We already have a team almost formed, although in some positions, we are a bit short. We need to add a couple more players because not everyone will be able to play fifty games. This is regarding completion. As for reinforcement, the club is looking for profiles that can give us that something extra.”

Have you already decided on the captain’s armband?

“There is no issue with that. I have always given the armband to the player with the most appearances in the team. There are no other hierarchies.”

How is Pellegrini doing?

“He is still recovering, but he has resumed training. He stayed in Rome specifically to start his preparation.”

Ghilardi?

“Yes, he fits the profile of what Roma is looking for and the reason I was called. There is this need from the ownership to work and build for the future with young players, with the prospect of creating a team that can become stronger over time.”

Have you seen the players smile in these days?

“I hope so. I found an excellent group, players who are eager to have a great season.”