Although he appeared to be the likely scapegoat as the season drew to a close, manager Gian Piero Gasperini has turned the tide. He is set to receive the owner’s backing.
With inconsistent results, a disappointing exit from the Europa League, a strained relationship between the manager and the chairman’s adviser, and a sporting director under fire, AS Roma are going through a particularly difficult second half of the season. And the expected casualty was clearly Gian Piero Gasperini, given that adviser Claudio Ranieri seemed to have the ear of the owners, the Friedkin family.
Tensions have been running high for several weeks between Gasperini and Ranieri, and there was little doubt that the Friedkin clan would side with Ranieri. Gasperini, recruited last summer to build a team for the long term, much like the one he had built at Atalanta Bergamo, could sense the tide turning, to the point of breaking down in tears at a press conference ahead of last weekend’s match against… Atalanta. But he should be able to smile again.
Gasperini has the owner’s support
Indeed, as reported by *Corriere dello Sport* this morning, Dan Friedkin has thrown his support behind Gasperini, whom he wishes to keep in his post. To this end, he will agree to the Italian coach’s demands, which include a change of sporting director. Federico Massara, formerly of Stade Rennais, could therefore be on his way out. Claudio Ranieri, meanwhile, will be asked to step back from the first team, allowing Gasperini to operate as he sees fit. Finally, a major summer transfer window will be required to satisfy him.
The revolution will thus be complete in June, with a total overhaul of the squad expected. For Gasperini, this is a major victory, as he has long hoped for the opportunity to implement his methods at a major Italian club, having previously enjoyed success with Genoa and Atalanta Bergamo. AS Roma have decided in his favour. And he has five Serie A matches left to try and secure Champions League qualification, to help rebuild the squad next summer.
Bayern have secured their first summer signing; Real Madrid’s youngsters on top of Europe
Bayern Munich are looking to strengthen their attack; Real Madrid are dominating Europe with their young players; the LFP is set to review its decision regarding Dehmaine Tabibou’s sending-off – find all the latest news from the European sports press in your Foot Mercato press round-up.
Bayern Munich smitten by Gordon
In Germany, Bayern have found their first signing. Fresh from winning the Bundesliga and still in contention in the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal, the Bavarian giants are not resting on their laurels. They are looking to strengthen this summer and Vincent Kompany is reported to have given the green light for the first signing. According to Sky Sport, the Belgian manager is in favour of bringing in Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. The outlet also reports that signing a new left winger is a top priority for Bayern Munich, with Gordon their number one choice. It adds that to secure the Englishman’s services, the Germans would have to pay between €50m and €60m. The Times, meanwhile, reports that Newcastle have set Gordon’s price tag at €85m.
Youth on the rise
We now turn to Spain, where Real Madrid’s youth team are making the front page of *AS*. “A Champions League for Valdebebas,” proclaims the daily on its front page following the Casa Blanca youngsters’ victory over Bruges in the Youth League final, the equivalent of the Champions League for youth teams. After a six-year drought, Real’s youngsters are once again the princes of Europe, whilst their senior counterparts are now struggling in the competition, having been knocked out at the quarter-final stage for the second year running. And speaking of the first team, they will be looking to get back on track a month after their last victory. The Madrid side host Alavés and will be looking to get back on track. It is time for Arda Güler to build on his fine performance in Munich. Having scored twice despite the elimination, the Turkish player, who is expected to start, will have another chance to shine.
The scandal continues in Nantes
Finally, a quick word now on FC Nantes, as the LFP is set to review the red card shown to Nantes player Dehmaine Tabibou. Sent off with 10 minutes remaining against Brest, the youth international could do nothing to prevent Brest from equalising in the dying seconds, bringing the Canaries that much closer to Ligue 2. But whilst his early dismissal had angered manager Vahid Halilodzic – who was also sent off – the sanction imposed by Guillaume Paradis could ultimately be reconsidered as a simple yellow card. Indeed, the club has announced that the referee of the Breton derby has acknowledged an error of judgement after reviewing the footage, in a report submitted to the LFP. It is now up to the disciplinary committee to decide, and they will need to rule swiftly. With Nantes travelling to the Parc des Princes tomorrow, the Nantes midfielder could ultimately be available should the decision go his way.
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