De Roon Optimistic About Winning Over Roma Fans Ahead of Champions League Clash
Marten de Roon expressed confidence in winning the support of AS Roma fans and praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini before Tuesday’s Champions League match against Manchester United. The Dutch midfielder addressed the media alongside Gasperini at a pre-match press conference in Manchester. The two have previously worked together for nine years at Atalanta, where they achieved success by winning the Europa League in 2024, and have now reunited at Roma this season.
“The coach is unique. His way of training us tactically is above everyone else’s,” De Roon stated. “I hold him in huge esteem. It’s fast football, made to score lots of goals and play with enormous intensity.”
As Roma faces challenges in midfield due to the injuries of Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini, the 35-year-old De Roon has stepped up in his role. “I’m fine. Since I arrived I needed to get my rhythm and physical condition back, and we sorted that out during the international break,” he remarked.
When asked if he was making efforts to regain the fans’ trust, De Roon responded, “I’m on the right path. Performances are always what count. But I was pleased to be applauded when I came off against Cagliari. Facts always show what you’re worth.”
De Roon shared his thoughts about the project in Rome, comparing it to his experience in Bergamo at Atalanta. “At Atalanta we went on a fantastic journey. It seemed like all that mattered was winning trophies,” he reflected. “Roma are playing well, and the first year in the Champions League makes you play high-level games. We want to give continuity to our performances, including in a magical stadium like tomorrow’s.”
He added that while Roma lacked maturity in their previous encounter against Real Madrid, the team is learning and evolving. “The way we approach teams and play brings entertainment. We always try to score and not sit back.”
Roma currently sits third in Serie A, just one point off the top, following a decisive 5-2 victory against Udinese on Saturday. The match against Manchester United is set to kick off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT).
