Roma’s Evan Ferguson Reacts To Gasperini Criticism As Brighton Boss Hints At Potential Return
Brighton are a striker down after Stefanos Tzimas suffered an ACL injury.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 12 December 2025
Roma striker Evan Ferguson has responded to Gian Piero Gasperini’s prior criticism of him amid talk of a potential return to Brighton.
Evan Ferguson says Gian Piero Gasperini ‘expects a lot’ from him amid uncertain future
Ferguson joined Roma on loan from Brighton in the summer, but it has taken him a while to get going.
Just a few days ago, reports emerged claiming that Roma are considering ending Ferguson’s loan stint from Brighton.
More recently, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini criticised Ferguson, saying his performances and attitude must improve.
Ferguson scored a brace in the Europa League triumph over Celtic on Thursday night, which shows he has listened to his manager.
Speaking after the game, Ferguson admitted that things didn’t begin particularly well for him at Roma.
However, the 21-year-old feels he has now turned a corner.
“I’ve always trained, I’ve worked hard, and I’m sure I’ll always give my all,” Ferguson told Sky Sport Italia. “Tonight went well.”
He added: “There are a lot of expectations on you… at the beginning it didn’t go very well, it’s the beginning of a new period.
“VAMOS” 🐺#ASRoma | #UEL | #CelticRoma pic.twitter.com/GhIn0Y4H08
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) December 11, 2025
“It’s part of football, I’m very happy with this evening.”
Ferguson was then asked about his relationship with Gasperini, a manager known for his high standards.
“We train every day, he always tries to push everyone to the maximum,” said the Irishman.
“He expects a lot from me, he wants a lot of intensity and that’s why we work.”
Gasperini praised Ferguson after the game, saying he delivered a “great” performance.
For Ferguson, it wasn’t just a case of two goals – it truly looked like he has turned corner.
Confidence has been a key missing ingredient, and once a striker gets that back, momentum can snowball quickly.
What Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has said about bringing his loan striker back
Meanwhile, at Brighton, manager Fabian Hurzeler held his press conference on Friday morning.
The Seagulls boss revealed that striker Stefanos Tzimas has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.
Although Hurzeler was happy to let Ferguson leave on loan, he is open to bringing him back in the wake of Tzimas’ injury.
Hurzeler told a press conference on Friday morning: “Evan is a player from us, so that’s why he will always be an option.
“Of course at the moment he is on loan but we follow it.
“We are pleased how he performed yesterday.
“Of course, we all follow it. So definitely he might be an option.”
Brighton have just one senior No.9 on board in Danny Welbeck as things stand.
Hurzeler’s wording is telling: he’s not promising a recall, but he’s keeping the door wide open.
With Tzimas’ ACL injury reshaping Brighton’s short-term plans, the Ferguson situation stops being gossip and becomes practical squad management.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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