Despite the uncertainty on the transfer market and the transition to a new manager, it wasn’t crazy to suggest that Roma were among a handful of favorites to take home the Europa League crown. In fact,
the managerial change may have led many people to think the Giallorossi could claim their second European title in four seasons. With Gian Piero Gasperini a year or so removed from winning the EL with Atalanta, Roma fans had even more reason to believe the tournament was theirs for the taking.
However, with only three points from their first three matches, Roma is stuck in 23rd place on the Europa League table. While there are plenty of matches left in the competition, Gasperini’s anemic attack has hardly inspired confidence, hitting another low in today’s 2-1 loss to Viktoria Plzen.
With the bitter taste of defeat in his mouth, Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport on today’s result and how it fits within the club’s broader struggles.
After the match, Gasperini tried to keep a fresh perspective when addressing the club’s attacking struggles
“I don’t think we were lifeless,” he said, responding to Dybala’s comments about the club looking lifeless. “In the second half, we held up well. The issue isn’t effort — it’s finishing. Some players haven’t scored in a long time, and we need to look at ourselves honestly about that.”
Pressed on why his team continues to struggle in front of goal, he didn’t pull any punches:
“It’s clear we have problems in that area. We only scored today on a penalty, and that’s something we need to reflect on after a loss like this.”
While some observers noted a lack of fluidity in the build-up, the coach was quick to defend his back line.
“The defense kept us in it,” he said. “They did well to close down space and stop counterattacks. The issue wasn’t at the back.”
Gasperini then addressed his team’s collective confidence:
“Yes, because confidence comes from results. In the first half, there were so many spaces to exploit. It wasn’t a closed game — we had chances to play through and get into the box. Those are the details that make a difference if you want to be more productive in attack”
When asked whether the squad is capable of fixing the problem, Gasperini didn’t equivocate:
“We have to. Everyone needs to do a bit more — one more goal, one more assist. That’s what will raise our level. I saw plenty of good individual performances, but if you don’t score, it doesn’t matter. We need to plug that hole immediately.”
Falling behind, he admitted, continues to weigh heavily on the group.
“It’s never easy to go down early. It changes everything. But tonight, the chances were there to turn it around. If you can’t take them in a game like this, you need to find answers — maybe even change something in your approach.”
With five matches remaining, Roma has a chance to gain ground and theoretically finish in the top eight, advancing directly to the Round of 16. Otherwise, presuming they don’t finish lower than 24th, they enter the Knockout Round Playoffs.
