Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini has credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with playing a crucial role in keeping him at the club after he appeared destined to leave during the summer.
The Italian international is preparing for Roma’s Champions League encounter with Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday after returning from a six-month injury layoff.
He made his first appearance in six months against Como before signing a one-year contract extension to remain at his boyhood club.
Pellegrini admitted that regaining match fitness had required patience but insisted he was now calm, focused and ready to contribute to the team’s campaign.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Pellegrini said Gasperini’s arrival changed the outlook for his future at the Stadio Olimpico.
“The boss was crucial because at the start of last season it seemed almost normal that we would go separate ways,” Pellegrini said.
“However, from my perspective, the first time I sat down with the coach last season, we immediately agreed on what I could do here with him.”
The midfielder added that the support he received from the club and his teammates made the decision to stay a natural one.
“I spoke to the club, the coach, the staff and my team-mates last summer and they all said they wanted me here. So it was very natural,” he said.
Pellegrini also highlighted his versatility, explaining that he was comfortable operating in central midfield or in a more advanced role depending on the team’s needs.
“My quality is playing with the ball at my feet,” he explained. “Whether I’m in midfield or in attacking midfield, the important thing is to find the space you have and exploit it.”
He described the atmosphere within the squad as relaxed, with the players focused on preparing for their upcoming fixtures.
“The overall atmosphere is calm and relaxed. We come in, we train and we work hard to prepare for our games,” he said.
Pellegrini’s ability to operate in different positions could provide Gasperini with additional options as Roma manage ongoing injury concerns.
Meanwhile, Slovan Bratislava manager Yaya Toure acknowledged the quality of the Italian side but insisted his team would approach the encounter without fear.
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“We’re up against a very strong team. They have some absences, but they are still strong and can hurt you a lot,” Toure said.
“We learned a lot from the last two games, and now we want to show our character without fear.”
Roma will host Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday evening as they look to strengthen their prospects of qualifying in the Champions League.
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