Gian Piero Gasperini was visibly upset following AS Roma's disappointing 3-0 loss to Brighton in a pre-season friendly. The manager admitted he is uncertain if the team is currently stronger than last season, citing difficulties in the transfer market and a lack of squad cohesion. Roma has experienced a troubling pre-season campaign, marked by a series of unfavorable results, including a draw with Cannes after leading by three goals, and significant losses to Cardiff City and Brighton.

The team's pre-season struggles were highlighted by a concerning defensive record, having conceded 11 goals in their last four matches. Gasperini acknowledged the team's current lack of sharpness and concentration, attributing some of the issues to players returning from the World Cup. He noted a clear division within the squad, with some players performing well while others are still catching up.

The coach expressed his frustration with the club's transfer activities, or lack thereof, especially after securing a Champions League spot. He pointed out the disparity between teams struggling with too many players and Roma's situation of having too few, emphasizing the challenges of operating in the transfer market, which he feels is often decided in the final days of August.

Despite the addition of Lorenzo Pellegrini's new contract, Gasperini downplayed its immediate impact, stating the player would not be available for at least a month. He also alluded to the club's strategy of targeting young, talented players, a path being pursued by new transfer chief Tony D’Amico. However, Gasperini concluded that based on the current situation, the team still requires further reinforcements.

Translation to English:

Gasperini Frustrated: 'Horrible Roma Performance, Not Sure We're Stronger Now'

Gian Piero Gasperini was furious after a 'horrible' 3-0 defeat to Brighton, stating he 'cannot say if the team is stronger than last season' due to struggles in the transfer market. The Giallorossi have endured a dismal pre-season, with notable losses to Cardiff City and Brighton, alongside a drawn match against Cannes. The only positive was a victory over Newport County, though considered less significant.

Gasperini confessed to the media that the performance against Brighton was "without doubt a horrible performance." He elaborated, "We've worked in a fairly good atmosphere this week, but we just played badly. I don’t think it’s a matter of sharpness, because we just weren’t working together as a squad, we lacked the right concentration." He also mentioned that some players are still recovering from the World Cup and require patience.

The defense has been a significant concern, conceding 11 goals in four pre-season games. Gasperini admitted, "I do get the feeling we’re not quite switched on yet. At least this is a period where we can afford to lose this badly." He believes these difficult matches can help the team re-focus, but acknowledged they are "quite a long way behind schedule." He pointed out a clear "split in the squad."

The summer has been frustrating for Roma and Gasperini, who has openly expressed his irritation with the delays in signing new players, especially after qualifying for the Champions League. While Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a new contract, Gasperini noted that his availability is still a month away.

Gasperini contrasted Roma's situation with other teams unable to sign players due to having too many, stating Roma has "too few." He criticized the timing of the transfer window, with crucial deals often being finalized in the last 15 days of August. He also vented his frustration with club directors, including Tony D’Amico. When asked about potential player sales or if the current Roma squad is stronger than last season, Gasperini remained uncertain. He mentioned player exchanges like Zeki Celik for Nahuel Molina and Artem Dovbyk for Santiago Castro, and the signing of a young defender, but concluded, "If you just look at the numbers, I feel like we still need something." He confirmed the club's strategy is to acquire "very young players, who have a lot of talent."