Roma wing-back Wesley Franca maintains that the incident leading to his sending off during Saturday’s Serie A loss to Como ‘was not a foul.’ He also stressed the Giallorossi’s need for ‘100% concentration’ to defeat Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday.
Wesley Discusses Como Red Card and Previews Bologna Clash
The Brazilian midfielder attended Wednesday’s pre-match press conference alongside head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, ahead of the Europa League Round of 16 second leg between Roma and Bologna. The match, held at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, follows a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Wesley used the occasion to reflect on his last Serie A outing. Roma suffered a 2-1 away defeat to Como in a crucial match for Champions League qualification, and Wesley was controversially dismissed just after the hour mark with the score tied at 1-1.
Although Wesley received a red card for a second yellow, he firmly asserts that his encounter with Como’s Assane Diao involved no foul play.
Similar to Pierre Kalulu’s disputed red card in February’s Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter, this incident could not be reviewed by VAR because it was a second yellow card, not a direct red. Consequently, neither Kalulu’s nor Wesley’s suspensions were overturned.
“It wasn’t a foul. I knew I had a booking and certainly didn’t want a red card,” Wesley stated.
He added, “I was alongside him, leaning because he was falling onto me. I was convinced afterward that I hadn’t committed a foul, even if others perceived it differently. It was a pivotal moment that altered the course of the game.”
Shifting focus from the Como incident, Wesley then elaborated on his seamless adaptation to Italian football since joining Roma from Flamengo this past summer.
“Italian football differs from Brazilian football, but with high concentration, it’s challenging for opponents to get past me, and it’s also easier for me to dribble against them,” he explained.
“The coach instructs me to attack, avoid errors, and make sound decisions. I am improving, and playing regularly contributes to that progress.”
Anticipating Thursday’s match against Bologna, he stated, “Playing in Europe is a dream for me. We care deeply about this. Careers are forged in these competitions; they demand absolute concentration. We must be prepared for tomorrow.”
Regarding his individual matchup with Federico Bernardeschi in the first leg, Wesley commented, “He is a very strong player with excellent qualities. The duel was compelling. We’ve faced many formidable opponents, but he stands out as very good.”