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Gasperini faces early crisis at Roma after poor run

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Key Points
  • Gasperini appointed despite fan opposition; early success followed by five-game winless run
  • Ranieri publicly criticized Gasperini and suggested he was fourth choice; reports of internal conflicts
  • Massara denies problems, says Friedkin family committed; Ranieri said Gasperini approved all signings

Gian Piero Gasperini was appointed Roma manager despite opposition from some fans due to his history with Atalanta, according to multiple reports. Roma made an encouraging start under Gasperini and were third in the table as of 27 February, but the team then went five games without a win across all competitions, were knocked out of the Europa League by Bologna, and fell to sixth place.

During Gasperini's presentation as Roma manager, senior adviser Claudio Ranieri said he didn't like Gasperini and that fans didn't like him either, according to multiple reports. Ranieri also suggested Gasperini was the club's fourth choice for the manager job. Reports have emerged of conflicts behind the scenes at Roma, with the relationship between Gasperini, Ranieri, and the owners said to be weakened.

I didn't like Gasperini. I've told him the fans didn't like him either.

Claudio Ranieri, Senior adviser to Roma's owners

Roma's sporting director Ricky Massara said there are absolutely no problems between Gasperini and Ranieri. According to The Guardian - Football, Claudio Ranieri described that no player came in without Gasperini's approval. Massara also said the Friedkin family is fully committed to developing the club.

Not one player came in without his approval.

Claudio Ranieri, Senior adviser to Roma's owners

Dialogue exists in all clubs, and even when there are discussions, they are about developing our squad.

Ricky Massara, Sporting director of Roma

There are absolutely no problems.

Ricky Massara, Sporting director of Roma

We are all working to build something great here, and it is a privilege to work with these owners.

Ricky Massara, Sporting director of Roma
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Gasperini faces early crisis at Roma after poor run | Reed News