Gasperini hints at long-term Roma future
Gian Piero Gasperini hinted that he and the Roma ownership are planning a long-term future together, but he has urged his side to remain focused on its current Serie A campaign.
Roma hosts Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, with a chance to leapfrog Como and move up to fifth in Serie A after Cesc Fabregas's side drew 0-0 with Napoli on Sunday.
Roma trails fifth-placed Como by just one point, while it is four behind fourth-placed Juventus, which drew 1-1 with Hellas Verona.
But the Giallorossi have been marred by some off-field controversy in recent weeks, following the unexpected departure of longtime club figurehead and advisor Claudio Ranieri, after a reported breakdown in relations with Gasperini.
"Right now, there are two tracks. One is the season, which is still alive and well," Gasperini said. "We play a very important match against Fiorentina, a team coming off a positive streak, I think seven positive results, and who have pulled themselves out of a difficult position in the standings.
"We are absolutely focused on this match, because with four games to go, we are still in the race. We also need to look at the results of the other matches, but we all know the standings, and our focus must remain on this final stage.
"The team's performance has been exceptional from the start, and we want to continue like this in the final four games, which will all be important, including the derby [with Lazio] in between.
"It's clear that there has been a particular development in recent weeks, and we must give credit to the club, which likely suffered a major unexpected disappointment and was forced to take a different path than initially envisioned.
"However, I don't believe other teams have already done everything at this point. Even those who start a little later can still get back on track.
"It's clear that the owners will need the time and clarity to make the decisions, but they also have the ability and resources to do so in the best possible way.
"When the time comes to discuss the future, we will. It seems like [the club] is getting closer to that moment, but when it happens, everything will have to be as clear and transparent as possible."
Fiorentina, meanwhile, are 15th in the league and extended their unbeaten streak to seven games following a goalless draw with Sassuolo last time out.
Paolo Vanoli's side is looking to end its season on a high, having peeled away from the drop zone.
