Gasperini Expresses Discontent Following Roma’s Heavy Loss to Brighton
Gian Piero Gasperini displayed his frustration after AS Roma suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Brighton, declaring that he “cannot say if the team is stronger than last season” amid ongoing challenges in the transfer market.
The Giallorossi have experienced a troubling pre-season, managing only a dramatic draw of 3-3 with Cannes after initially leading 3-0. They also faced a 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City, culminating in the recent loss of 3-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The team’s only silver lining came from a 4-1 victory over Newport County; however, this opponent cannot be considered a true test of their capabilities.
Roma’s summer wraps up with an anticipated match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, August 15.
Gasperini Rage at Roma Defeat
Upon reflection, Gasperini stated, “It was without doubt a horrible performance today,” during his post-match comments in Brighton. “We’ve worked in a fairly good atmosphere this week, but we just played badly. I don’t think it’s a matter of sharpness, because we just weren’t working together as a squad; we lacked the right concentration.”
He acknowledged that some players recently returning from the World Cup might still be feeling drained and emphasized the need for patience as they recover.
Particularly concerning was the defense, which has allowed 11 goals across four pre-season matches. Gasperini expressed his concern, saying, “I do get the feeling we’re not quite switched on yet. At least this is a period where we can afford to lose this badly.”
“These are in a way situations that can help us get switched back on, but the sensation is we’re still quite a long way behind schedule,” he added, noting a division within the squad while recognizing the contributions of those who started off the summer well.
This summer has been notably frustrating for Roma and Gasperini, who has openly expressed his irritation regarding slow progress in acquiring necessary player reinforcements following their Champions League qualification.
“Some teams can’t work on the market because they have too many players, and we can’t because we’ve got too few,” Gasperini remarked, bemoaning the timing of the transfer window. He emphasized that many crucial decisions occur in the last 15 days of August, which complicates preparation for the season.
Gasperini took the opportunity to voice his frustrations with the club’s directors and their handling of transfers, particularly in light of a possible significant sale this summer. When questioned about the current strength of his squad compared to last season, he responded, “I don’t know. If I could, at this moment we replaced Zeki Celik with Nahuel Molina, who we’ve still got to meet on Tuesday.”
He noted the additions of Santiago Castro and Konstantinos Koulierakis, but expressed a clear need for further reinforcements. “If you just look at the numbers, I feel like we still need something,” he concluded, leaving the door open for potential new arrivals in the coming weeks.
Gian Piero Gasperini was furious after a ‘horrible’ 3-0 Roma defeat to Brighton and ‘cannot say if the team is stronger than last season’ after transfer struggles.
The Giallorossi have had a truly dismal pre-season, drawing 3-3 with Cannes after taking a 3-0 lead, then losing 4-1 to Cardiff City and 3-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion.
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The only bright spot was a 4-1 victory over Newport County, but they are hardly to be considered at the level of a genuine test.
Their summer ends with a trip to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday August 15.
Gasperini rage at Roma defeat
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It was without doubt a horrible performance today,” confessed Gasperini to the media in Brighton.
“We’ve worked in a fairly good atmosphere this week, but we just played badly. I don’t think it’s a matter of sharpness, because we just weren’t working together as a squad, we lacked the right concentration.
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“There are a few players coming off the World Cup, so certainly they are a bit drained and we must have some patience for them to fully recover.”
The defence is particularly worrying, as they have conceded 11 goals in four pre-season matches.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma at American Express Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
“I do get the feeling we’re not quite switched on yet. At least this is a period where we can afford to lose this badly,” noted Gasperini.
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“These are in a way situations that can help us get switched back on, but the sensation is we’re still quite a long way behind schedule. We’ve done well with the group that started the summer, but there’s definitely a split in the squad.”
It has been a very frustrating summer for Roma and particularly Gasperini, who has not disguised his irritation at the delay in bringing him reinforcements, especially after qualifying for the Champions League.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Yasin Ayari of Brighton & Hove Albion scores the third goal during the pre-season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma at American Express Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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There was a new addition today, as it was confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract, after his previous deal had expired on June 30.
“Yes, but when can he start playing? Not for at least a month, so there’s no point talking about that now,” replied the coach.
“There are some teams out there who can’t work on the market because they have too many players, and we can’t because we’ve got too few.
“As always, the transfer window begins on July 1, but it all gets decided in the final 15 days of August. It’s not right, that’s when teams are already working and getting ready. It’s a problem for everyone.”
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Gasperini again vented his irritation with the directors, including new Roma transfer chief Tony D’Amico.
When asked if he would rule out another big sale this summer, he urged the reporters to ask the CEO instead, and gave a strong response when asked if this Roma is stronger than last season.
“I don’t know. If I could, at this moment we replaced Zeki Celik with Nahuel Molina, who we’ve still got to meet on Tuesday. We replaced Artem Dovbyk with Santiago Castro, who gives me good sensations.
“Then we brought in this lad who seems interesting to complete the defence (referring to Konstantinos Koulierakis, ndr). If you just look at the numbers, I feel like we still need something.
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“On who to go for and how to close those deals, that depends on situations. There are some good possibilities. D’Amico is trying to negotiate for very young players, who have a lot of talent, so that is the path,” concluded Gasperini.
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