De Roon: ‘I’m on the right path to winning over Roma fans, Gasperini is unique’

Marten de Roon believes he is “on the right path” to winning over Roma supporters, and has hailed Gian Piero Gasperini as a “unique” coach before Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Manchester United.

With quotes courtesy of the Corriere dello Sport, the Dutch midfielder joined Gasperini at the pre-match press conference in Manchester. The pair spent nine years together at Atalanta, where they won the Europa League in 2024, and they have been reunited in the capital this season.

“The coach is unique. His way of training us tactically is above everyone else’s,” De Roon said. “I hold him in huge esteem. It’s fast football, made to score lots of goals and play with enormous intensity.”

De Roon on fitness and the Roma fans

The 35-year-old has become more important with Roma short in midfield, as Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini are both injured.

“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 said.

Asked whether he was trying to win the fans’ forgiveness, he replied: “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.”

He also compared the project in Rome with his time in Bergamo. “At Atalanta we went on a fantastic journey. It seemed like all that mattered was winning trophies,” he said. “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.

“Against Real Madrid we weren’t mature enough, but we’re growing. The way we approach teams and play brings entertainment. We always try to score and not sit back.”

Roma go into the game third in Serie A, a point off the top, after Saturday’s 5-2 win at Udinese. It kicks off at 21:00 CET [20:00 GMT].