Gasperini already unhappy in Roma

Gian Piero Gasperini and Ricky Massara have different views on football and how the new Roma should develop. Gasperini believes that Massara is not bringing in players suitable for his project, while the sporting director feels that Roma’s new coach should adapt his work, plans, formation, and tactics based on the squad available. Gasperini also has ambitions to be a sort of Alex Ferguson at Roma, while Massara thinks everyone should stick to their own role in the club. The clash between the two new figures at Roma has reached a breaking point, and it’s only a matter of time before it explodes. The city of Rome has been buzzing for days, especially after Gasperini’s meeting with the Friedkins in Liverpool last weekend. The former Atalanta coach is convinced that his past work and achievements guarantee him a role in which he, in direct communication with the owners, decides who should be bought and who should be sold.

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In all his conversations with local media, Gasperini has voiced dissatisfaction with Roma’s transfer window. At first, it was believed to be just part of the Italian coach’s particular character, but as the criticisms became more elaborate and direct, the underlying disagreement came to light. It’s possible that the signing of El Aynaoui angered Gasperini. The Roma head coach had nothing against the former Lens midfielder, but his priority was Rios, while El Aynaoui was more of an “extra.” Since the Moroccan-French player had been Massara’s top choice from the start, Gasperini took the failure to land Rios and the signing of El Aynaoui rather personally.

The only hope that the conflict between the head coach and the sporting director doesn’t end with the phrase “either me or him” is Claudio Ranieri. The Friedkins’ special advisor in Trigoria has the job of smoothing relationships and ironing out the “wrinkles” between players and the coaching staff, as well as between the coaching staff and management. Gasperini has reportedly requested at least three, preferably four, reinforcements. He expects a key signal from the Friedkins in negotiations for new attackers: from Echeverri, an attacking midfielder, to Sancho, a winger, and finally to a centre-forward with at least 20 goals in him. Reportedly, Fabio Silva, the Wolverhampton striker, is more Massara’s wish than Gasperini’s, who would prefer Hojlund or, alternatively, Krstovic from Lecce.

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For Roma’s new manager, Dovbyk is not up to the task, Ferguson is far too late in arriving and too young to bear the responsibility of being the Giallorossi’s main striker. Leeds could make Roma’s job much easier if their interest in the Ukrainian turns into talks over his transfer to the Premier League. The newly promoted English side is looking for a centre-forward, and there has been talk of Taremi from Inter. Based on his characteristics and playing style, the former Girona striker might actually be a decent solution for Leeds. Dovbyk’s departure would not only open the door for a new centre-forward but would also allow Roma to recoup part of the money invested in Artem last year and further reduce the total wage bill—one of the requirements to meet UEFA’s financial fair play parameters.