Gasperini: Roma signed just one player I ‘specifically requested’, Malen deal ‘a stroke of luck’

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists the club only signed one player he ‘specifically requested,’ while the Donyell Malen deal from Aston Villa ‘was a stroke of luck, something that came together in 24 hours.’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News & Content – Free Trial – Click Here

Roma coach Gasperini and club advisor Claudio Ranieri expressed differing opinions on Friday, before and after a 3-0 win over Pisa at the Stadio Olimpico.

Ranieri spoke to DAZN before kick-off, saying that every new Roma signing during Gasperini’s tenure was approved by the coach.

Gasperini first commented on Ranieri’s claims during a post-match interview and then added more at a post-match press conference.

Gasperini responds to Ranieri over Roma transfers

“Regarding the transfer market, I left the club free to choose players I didn’t know. Of the ones I specifically requested, only one arrived in the summer,” Gasp said via Gazzetta.

“Then I asked to focus on the forwards, since we had lost Shomurodov and Saelemaekers. Strengthening the attack was the key point. I kept insisting that we needed to raise the level in that area of the pitch. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way, which was part of the reason for some of the problems.

“But I never had any issue with Ranieri. It felt like we shared the same view on that aspect.”

Ranieri even said that three coaches had rejected a proposal from Roma before the club turned to Gasperini last summer.

“That’s normal for clubs. I can only say I’m happy with the choice I made. Right now, I’m focused on one thing only,” said Gasperini.

“There are six matches to play. I don’t need to fix anything within the club. I just have to think about Atalanta, who are a strong team in all its components and have been strengthened by signing five important players. I left a very strong team, and I know its value.”

Roma are level on 57 points with Juventus, one behind fourth-placed Como, but both Azzurri and Bianconeri have a game in hand.

Roma’s next game is against Gasperini’s ex-club Atalanta next Saturday.

“I’ve only pointed out roles, and only occasionally names and only when I was strongly convinced,” concluded Gasperini.

“In every club, I’ve always indicated roles. I don’t do scouting even if I get some tips that help me. The Malen deal was a stroke of luck, something that came together in 24 hours.”