Gian Piero Gasperini has said Manu Kone is not available for transfer, despite acknowledging that Roma’s squad is not yet sufficiently complete after their 4-0 victory over Lecce on the second matchday of Serie A.
The Roma head coach made clear that the midfielder is not being considered for sale following the emphatic win. His comments underline the importance he places on Kone as part of his current squad.
At the same time, Gasperini stressed that Roma still need more players. While the side produced a convincing result against Lecce, the manager believes the group remains short of the numbers required.
The 4-0 scoreline gave Roma a strong result in their second Serie A match, and Gasperini praised the players for the way they performed. He highlighted their confidence, character and quality during the victory.
His assessment combined satisfaction with the result and a warning about the squad’s current depth. Roma have demonstrated their ability to produce a clear win, but Gasperini’s comments suggest he does not regard the existing group as fully equipped.
Kone’s position in those plans was also made clear. Gasperini’s statement that the midfielder is not for sale rules out the idea that Roma are prepared to sacrifice him, while his comments about the lack of players point towards the need for further strengthening rather than departures from that part of the squad.
The manager’s remarks came directly after Roma’s comprehensive success over Lecce. The result was described as a convincing victory, with the team’s performance earning praise for its confidence, character and quality.
For Gasperini, the match therefore provided two contrasting messages. Roma showed the level of football they can produce by winning 4-0, yet the manager remains concerned that the squad does not currently contain enough players.
Kone remains part of that squad. Gasperini’s position is that the midfielder is not on the market, while Roma’s wider need is to improve the number of available players. The comments leave the club’s immediate focus centred on maintaining the quality shown against Lecce while addressing the shortage identified by the head coach.
The victory was Roma’s key result on the second Serie A matchday, but Gasperini’s assessment extended beyond the scoreline. He praised the players’ response and performance, then used the opportunity to underline that the composition of the squad still requires attention.
Roma can therefore take confidence from the 4-0 win, with Gasperini recognising the team’s character and quality. However, the manager’s message was that one strong performance does not alter his view that the group is not yet complete. Kone, meanwhile, remains firmly outside any plans to sell him.
