Marten de Roon said he is "on the right path" to winning over Roma supporters as he spoke in Manchester before Tuesday's Champions League trip to Manchester United. The midfielder also described Gian Piero Gasperini as a "unique" coach.
Press conference in Manchester
De Roon joined Gasperini at the pre-match press conference in Manchester before Tuesday's game, which kicks off at 21:00 CET. 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.
Praise for Gasperini
De Roon said: "The coach is unique. His way of training us tactically is above everyone else’s. I hold him in huge esteem. It’s fast football, made to score lots of goals and play with enormous intensity."
Fitness and the supporters
De Roon said: "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."
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."
Roma's form before Tuesday's game
De Roon said: "At Atalanta we went on a fantastic journey. It seemed like all that mattered was winning trophies. 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."
Football Italia said the 35-year-old has become more important with Roma short in midfield, as Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini are both injured. Football Italia also said Roma go into the game third in Serie A, a point off the top, after Saturday's 5-2 win at Udinese.
