Mario Hermoso has thrown his support behind manager Gian Piero Gasperini, crediting the Italian tactician with transforming Roma's mentality ahead of their Champions League return. The Spanish centre-back believes the Giallorossi are ready to make continental competition a permanent fixture rather than a rare occurrence.
Roma face Fenerbahce in Istanbul on Thursday in their opening European match after a seven-year absence from the Champions League. Hermoso, who joined from Atletico Madrid, sees this fixture as the start of a new era. "When the coach arrived, he put a high-level mentality into every one of us," the 31-year-old explained. "Gasperini's football suits the European style with pressing and intensity."
High-Intensity Approach Suits European Stage
The former La Liga defender emphasized that Gasperini's pressing system is tailor-made for elite continental football. Roma's strong Serie A start has provided confidence, and Hermoso stressed that maintaining domestic form while stepping up in competition will prove crucial. The squad has demonstrated defensive solidity and attacking intent in recent weeks, providing optimism as they enter unfamiliar territory.
Hermoso highlighted key tactical requirements for success in Turkey. "For us to play a great game, we must know our opponent's strengths," he noted. "It is vital to remain compact defensively and give our forwards the platform to score." The defender acknowledged that defensive compactness will determine Roma's ability to frustrate a motivated Fenerbahce side at the Chobani Stadium.
Building a Culture of European Consistency
At 31, Hermoso brings Champions League experience from his time at Atletico Madrid, where he competed regularly at this level. His perspective carries weight as Roma seek to establish themselves among Europe's elite once more. The psychological shift under Gasperini—moving from domestic-only football to competing week in week out at the highest level—represents the club's ambition moving forward.
Roma travel to Turkey determined to secure three points and signal their intent in Group E. Success in Istanbul would vindicate Gasperini's methods and suggest this European odyssey could span years rather than months, transforming the Eternal City into a regular Champions League fixture.
