As AS Roma faces a challenging season, key players Niccolò Pisilli and Mario Hermoso reflect on the team’s struggles while expressing hope for recovery, emphasizing leadership and resilience as vital for overcoming adversity.
The ongoing crisis at AS Roma intensifies as the team continues to drop down the Serie A standings and struggles to make an impact in Europe. In this challenging time, two key figures from the squad, Niccolò Pisilli and Mario Hermoso, have offered both insight and hope for the future. They spoke openly about the club's challenges, the arrival of Claudio Ranieri, and the significant responsibility that falls on the senior players to help redirect the team towards success.
During the Beppe Viola Award event, rising star Niccolò Pisilli maintained a composed demeanor in light of Roma's difficult performance. Although the league standings are not favorable, Pisilli emphasized that despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, there is still significant chance to make a change. Roma still has the possibility of qualifying for European football next season, and their participation in three major competitions indicates that there are plenty of opportunities ahead.
“The standings are definitely not where we would like them to be, but there is still time to strive for a spot in European competitions. We remain in contention in three tournaments, and that fills us with optimism. The coach prepared us thoroughly for the match against Napoli, though it didn't go according to our plan. Nevertheless, I am thankful for the opportunity to play, and I believe we demonstrated the right mindset. Our focus was on maintaining a solid defense and working as a united team.”
Pisilli's assurance in both the team and the coach is evident. Nonetheless, the young midfielder stays unfazed by any discussions regarding his contract, believing that those issues will be addressed when necessary. His attention is squarely on the game.
“I’m not worried about my contract. That will be addressed when the time comes. My primary focus at the moment is solely on the games. I have a strong relationship with the club, and my agent will handle the specifics.”
Conversely, Mario Hermoso, currently out due to injury, provided a more poignant perspective on Roma's difficulties. During a recent event at Triburtina station, Hermoso highlighted that even the most successful teams experience downturns, referencing the recent struggles of Manchester United as an example.
“Even the top teams, such as Manchester United, go through slumps. It’s challenging when you’re not operating at full capacity, both physically and mentally. However, as experienced players, it’s our responsibility to regain our peak performance. We bear the greatest responsibility for the predicament that Roma is currently facing.”
Hermoso emphasized the significance of strong leadership during challenging times. Although Roma's younger players have remarkable talent, they are still in the process of understanding how to manage the pressures that come with competing at the highest levels. Consequently, it falls upon the experienced veterans to help steer the team through this difficult phase.
‘We need to rise to the occasion and assist Ranieri in turning this season around. It’s not solely about us as players; it encompasses everyone who is invested in Roma, including the staff and the supporters. The younger players might experience pressure, but those of us with international experience need to step up and guide them through it.'
Hermoso's primary focus is now on recovery. Having been out for five weeks because of an injury, the Spanish defender is keen to make his return, but he is aware of the necessity to be in optimal condition before he reenters the field.
“I am eager to make my return as quickly as I can, but the medical team is concentrating on making sure I am in optimal shape. I've been sidelined for five weeks now, and although I wish to be back soon, it could take another week or two before I am completely fit.”
