Marten de Roon says he is “on the right path” to winning over Roma supporters and believes Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical methods are “above everyone else’s” ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Manchester United.
The 35-year-old midfielder joined Gasperini at the pre-match press conference in Manchester, with quotes reported by the Corriere dello Sport.
De Roon and Gasperini worked together for nine years at Atalanta, winning the Europa League in 2024. They have been reunited at Roma this season, where De Roon has taken on greater responsibility because Manu Kone and Lorenzo Pellegrini are both injured.
“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 said he had needed time to rebuild his fitness and match rhythm after joining Roma, but believes that process was completed during the recent international break.
“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 if he was seeking to regain the support of Roma fans, De Roon pointed to his performances and the reception he received in the club’s most recent match.
“I’m on the right path. Performances are always what count,” he said.
“But I was pleased to be applauded when I came off against Cagliari. Facts always show what you’re worth.”
The Dutchman also reflected on the contrasting stages of his career under Gasperini, including the success they shared at Atalanta.
“At Atalanta we went on a fantastic journey. It seemed like all that mattered was winning trophies,” he said.
Roma currently sit third in Serie A, one point behind the leaders, after beating Udinese 5-2 on Saturday. Their next challenge comes at Manchester United, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CET [20:00 GMT].
De Roon said Roma wanted to build on their recent performances as they experience Champions League football for the first time in the club’s current project.
“Roma are playing well, and the first year in the Champions League makes you play high-level games,” he said. “We want to give continuity to our performances, including in a magical stadium like tomorrow’s.”
Roma lost to Real Madrid in a match De Roon believes exposed their lack of experience at that level, but he said the team was developing.
“Against Real Madrid we weren’t mature enough, but we’re growing,” he said. “The way we approach teams and play brings entertainment. We always try to score and not sit back.”
