Gasperini: Molina Can Play on the Left Wing, Why Can't Full-backs Play on Their Weaker Foot?

On September 1 at 00:30 Beijing time (CEST), Roma will face Lecce away in the second round of Serie A. Ahead of the match, Roma coach Gasperini held a press conference. This article is the second part of the press conference.

Coach, you just mentioned the Argentine contingent at the club, and indeed the number of these players is increasing. Among them, Soulé remains the center of transfer rumors, and there were even reports this morning. What I want to know is, do you have any expectations regarding this? Can he be fully available tomorrow?

Look, I respect all opinions, and I read and hear everything – though I read little, I hear a lot. Regarding Soulé, I have not heard any official offers for him. Not for him, nor for any other players being discussed throughout the summer. For me, Soulé is very likely to play tomorrow.

As for the news, I don't follow it every day, but I can assure you there has never been a substantial offer. This is not to say his agent hasn't personally made moves, made contacts, communicated, etc., but at the club level, there has never been a substantial proposal. And he himself, at least in his attitude toward me, has never shown any different idea.

Good afternoon, Coach. Following up on the question about objectives, I want to ask you—last year you said your personal goal was the Champions League, and this was not a requirement from management. So this year, what is the team's objective? Specifically, is this objective aligned with management? Or is this again your personal expectation, even exceeding the targets set for you by management?

Honestly, we didn't have time to discuss this before the season started. Now the transfer window will finally close next Tuesday, we can finally talk about football itself. I keep repeating, and I repeat it every year, that the transfer deadline is completely wrong, useless for everyone, and nobody wants it. I don't know why transfers continue after the league starts, because in my view, insiders, fans, and the general public all dislike this schedule, yet they refuse to make changes, refuse to move the transfer deadline before the league begins.

As for objectives, let's wait and see. First, we need to start playing, let's play the first few matches well, starting with tomorrow's away match against Lecce. You know, we haven't discussed specific objectives yet, and this is also a point worth noting, because what truly matters is the actual performance on the pitch.

Coach, you just mentioned full-backs, specifically the full-backs on both flanks in midfield. For you, having four wingers who are all right-footed might be somewhat unusual. I don't know if this is a situation you were forced to deal with due to market limitations or failed negotiations, or if this is a situation that concerns you? Are you hoping for a left-footed full-back to join? In that case, could Soulé possibly play in that position?

The initial idea was indeed to sign a left-back, and there were some very strong ideas and very deep negotiations, even almost completed, but ultimately for various reasons, we couldn't follow through. Yes, this is indeed very unusual, but what's equally unusual and surprising is how well Wesley has performed on the left.

And I think Molina can also perform well on the left. In my tactical concept, just as forwards often cut inside on their weaker foot, why can't full-backs play on their weaker foot? So this is entirely possible. At the start of the season, our plan was to bring in a left-footed player, and significant efforts were made later, but unfortunately, it didn't work out.

Regarding Soulé, he did play in that position under Ranieri previously, and he often played there, even more often than as a striker. Although I personally prefer him in a more advanced position, in case of emergency, he can certainly handle this role.

Coach, I still want to ask about this topic and this position. I want to ask about Molina's current condition—has he regained his match rhythm? Can he be a starter tomorrow?

Much better, I would say very good. He's had a high-quality training week, but for him, it's purely a matter of regaining physical fitness, after all, he participated in the World Cup final previously. However, he's in very good condition this week, and I think he will definitely be involved in tomorrow's match. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he's now capable of playing.

Coach, De Roon arrived this morning. He is the first player over 30 that Roma has signed under your leadership. So I want to ask you, does this mean the team's objectives have changed accordingly? Also, have you already discussed the local environment and the atmosphere among Roma fans? Because of some things De Roon said in the past, Roma fans haven't really liked him in recent years...

Yes, when he was an opponent, that's normal. But as you get to know him, you'll find that he's a very stable and reliable person, and his physical condition is also very good. I've already explained how this deal came about; he's still a top-level player. Clearly, what he brings to us is a quick boost to our competitive strength, and it also gives us room to invest more resources in other positions that need strengthening, while maintaining the depth of our top midfield.

As I just mentioned, we've recruited several captain-level figures, because this team really needs that kind of mental strength. And in terms of creativity, we have Mørà, Dybala, Castro, and Marín—these positions are already well configured, so this operation has worked out well this way. As for the other matter, when I first came here, I wasn't the most popular person among fans either. Gradually you'll see that everything will be fine, and he's also very engaging on social media, a person with a very good personality.

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