Gasperini Satisfied: "Champions League Standings Require Draws Too"

Roma's Champions League campaign began with a draw, a 1-1 tie against Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Cristante put the Giallorossi ahead just before halftime with a superb strike from the edge of the box. However, Gasperini's team conceded an equalizer early in the second half to Archie Brown. In the post-match analysis, Roma coach Gasperini commented on the game: "We played well, and it wasn't easy given the atmosphere and a team that defended deeply," he told Sky Sport. "They tried to play on the counter with very fast players. For the standings, draws are also necessary."

Gasperini's Remarks After Fenerbahce-Roma

Regarding Archie Brown's goal, Roma's defense appeared out of position, leaving the Englishman unmarked. "We were out of shape defensively. This happens more when we are set up than when we play in the opponent's half; we need to work on it. We can't always play offensively; sometimes you have to defend deeper." When asked about the substitutes' performance, he stated, "I didn't see them badly. Balerdi came in very well, as did Molina and Pisilli."

'Not Everything is Explainable in Football. Regarding Rodrigo Mora...'

Regarding Rodrigo Mora, Gasperini added, "I hoped his speed would cause problems around the box, but it wasn't easy to find him between the lines. De Roon came on late when we needed to secure the result. Everyone approached the game with the right attitude." Gasperini was also reminded of the goal conceded at the start of the second half against Atalanta, similar to what happened against Fenerbahce today. "Two incidents make a pattern [laughs]. Not everything is explainable in football; there's randomness, or something we need to be aware of from the next match. The start of the second half in the last two games has cost us a goal."