Gasperini confirms Roma captain will rotate between players
Gian Piero Gasperini announced a radical change in the Roma approach, as Lorenzo Pellegrini is no longer the captain. ‘I have 7-8 captains and hope they can become 15 or 20.’
The new coach spoke to reporters at the UK training ground during their pre-season tour, which is going to culminate in friendly matches against Aston Villa and Everton.
You can read the rest of his comments here.
Roma take captaincy pressure off Pellegrini
Among the other subjects discussed, Gasperini was asked whether Pellegrini would still be the undisputed captain of the Giallorossi this season, as he has been since 2021.
“It is not going to be an issue,” assured the former Atalanta boss.
“We will adopt a system that has always worked well with me, which is giving the armband to whoever has the most appearances for that club.
“I have 7-8 captains and hope they can become 15 or 20. The captains are those who play for the team and have a sense of attachment.
“It is a hierarchy based on appearances for the club and that is all. There is nothing else to be considered.”
The decision was also aided by the fact that Pellegrini is currently injured, so would not have been able to wear the armband at the start of the season anyway.
“He was left behind in Rome so that he could focus on making a full recovery and improve his fitness levels.”
Although Pellegrini was born and raised in the Roma academy, representing the club he has supported since birth, he is not the current player with the most appearances.
That goes to Stephan El Shaarawy with 320 games for the Giallorossi, followed by Bryan Cristante on 318.
Pellegrini is only third in that list with 316 matches, then there is a big gap until Gianluca Mancini on 274.