Gasperini: "We will face a very strong team. I asked them not to lose their identity"

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at a press conference on the eve of the Fenerbahce-Roma match. Vocegiallorossa.it was present to keep you updated with his words. Here are the statements from the Giallorossi coach:

Against Atalanta, it was a display of strength in a big match. Now, on the eve of the first Champions League game, what kind of performance are you asking of your players?
"It's clear that this is a different competition. It's the most important club competition, the one that all players and coaches want to participate in. What I can ask is that they don't lose their identity, that they be themselves. We have arrived to play this competition with our characteristics and with what we have shown on the field throughout the year. Although this is certainly a competition of a much higher caliber, where we face the best clubs from each league, we must be good at believing in our work and our way of playing."

The other day you said that players are made primarily of mind and heart. Tomorrow, will mind and heart be needed, but also experience, considering a very heated stadium and such an important competition? What will it take to do well on debut?
"We must have great consideration for the opponent. We know that they have very, very important players in their ranks. However, we must also have the confidence to play with our characteristics, with great attention, but also with the awareness that we can put the opponent in difficulty. I believe the most important thing is to develop what we are capable of doing."

In your first Champions League experience with Atalanta, it was a small dream, with the team almost reaching the semi-finals, but the start was more difficult. Can this Roma be compared to that Atalanta? Is it further along in its growth or further behind?
"I believe that here there are players who, like me, have already played in European competitions and the Champions League. At that time, for Atalanta, it was an absolute novelty. It's true that Roma has been absent from the Champions League for many years, but it has always participated in the Europa League. However, the fact remains that the impact of this competition, especially on the first matchday, always generates curiosity and requires particular attention, because there have been no other comparisons and we have not had other opportunities to play against these opponents. This certainly creates a bit of novelty, for us but also for the opponent."

You have 34 Champions League bench appearances, and in terms of experience, you have much more than most of Roma's players. In practical terms, how do you transfer this experience to the team?
"It is also a satisfaction for me to return to the Champions League, which I achieved two years ago with Atalanta. Then I came to Roma, and returning this year with this team is an even greater reason for gratification. The Champions League, as I said before, means facing top teams in their groups and their leagues. They have great players who can change the momentum of a game that perhaps seems favorable, thanks to their qualities, and alter the result. The most important aspect, as when you play against the strongest teams, is to always stay in the game, seek maximum confidence in your own values, and above all, never forget to try to put the opponents in difficulty. These are all teams accustomed to being protagonists in their leagues, and if they can have some difficulty, it's more when they have to defend than when they attack, because offensively they are all very good."

Regarding substitutions and rotations, how important will they be considering the busy schedule awaiting Roma?
"It's normal that, now that we're facing the first week with three games, substitutions become fundamental. After the international break, I believe we will have nine games in less than a month. Rotations therefore become essential, both during matches and in subsequent games. However, I believe that this year we really have the opportunity to count on a larger number of players who can play continuously without experiencing drops in performance."

You have had the opportunity to see Fenerbahce not only in their last match against Beşiktaş but also in previous games. What aspects have you noticed most?
"I have had the opportunity to see not only that match, but also previous ones, including the one against Cologne and Sturm Graz. I have tried to see this team as much as possible; they have many important players. Certainly, it's a team that will grow over time because when you change many elements, perhaps you need a little more time. However, it is a team of absolute value, regardless of the negative result in the last match."

Your first Champions League with Inter began precisely against a Turkish team, Trabzonspor. Regardless of rotations, how is Paulo Dybala doing? Is it reasonable to expect him from the first minute tomorrow?
"At the moment, we are all well. Certainly, winning in comeback in the final minutes against Atalanta has given great energy and strength to everyone. We played on Saturday and we play again tomorrow, Thursday. Apart from Pellegrini, who I hope is very close to returning, the rest of us are all available."

Asensio and Weghorst are two important names for Fenerbahce. They won't be there tomorrow: how much can these absences weigh, and have you prepared a plan for it?
"Undoubtedly, they are two very strong players, but Fenerbahce this year has a very wide squad composed of strong players. Unfortunately, it happens that sometimes a player, due to suspension or injury, cannot participate in these competitions, which are the most coveted. However, this doesn't mean anything. I believe that we will still face a very strong Fenerbahce, despite these two absences."