Roma return from the league break with the sense that a promising passage of the season has been paused rather than interrupted. Gian Piero Gasperini wants his side to resume from the level it had reached before the stoppage, beginning with Sunday’s 12:30 meeting away to Como.
The coach and the club
“We stopped at a very positive moment and that is where we want to start again,” Gasperini said as he looked ahead to the trip to Como. The coach’s focus is on restoring the rhythm Roma had built before the break, while managing the squad carefully through a demanding period.
Bryan Cristante remains a concern. The midfielder is recovering from a collateral ligament problem, and Gasperini made clear that the process cannot be forced. He is expected to miss the Como match and the Real fixture, with Roma’s priority being a full recovery rather than an early return.
“The aim is to get him back in the best possible condition,” the Roma coach said.
Gasperini also addressed his relationship with the Friedkin ownership. He said he feels their backing despite their physical distance and their infrequent appearances in Rome. Galantic is present at the club, but the coach would like the owners to become more closely involved with the day-to-day life around Roma.
“I feel the Friedkins’ support even if they are far away and do not come to Rome often,” he said. “Galantic is here, but my objective is to bring them closer.”
Koné and the summer decision
The coach was also asked about reports of an offer for Manu Koné near the end of August. Gasperini indicated that the timing left Roma with too little room to consider a move, particularly because a transfer requires the involvement of numerous people and the completion of contractual work.
There was no suggestion that the midfielder’s future had been closed off. Gasperini believes Koné has time to add further value, while recognising that the player has already enhanced his standing at the club.
For now, though, Roma’s immediate chapter is in Como: a return to league action, a key midfielder being allowed the time he needs, and a coach seeking to turn recent momentum into a more sustained run.
