Gasperini’s Tough Love Pays Off As He Sends Message To Ferguson After Roma Vs Genoa

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has given his verdict on Evan Ferguson after the Brighton loanee scored in a man-of-the-match display against Genoa on Monday night.

Ferguson has had a mixed time at Roma since his summer loan move from the English Premier League club.

It has taken a while for the Irishman to get up to speed, but he is now delivering solid performances on a fairly consistent basis.

At the same time, Gasperini appears to have decided on a stern approach with Ferguson.

There have been multiple instances in which the Italian coach has publicly criticised the Brighton loanee.

For instance, he said earlier in December that Ferguson wasn’t convincing him at Roma.

And before the Genoa game, Gasperini said veteran forward Paulo Dybala was better than Ferguson.

However, Gasperini’s approach appears to be working, as Ferguson has been making a big impact of late.

 

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On Monday night, Ferguson teed up Manu Kone for Roma’s second goal in the 19th minute, before getting on the scoresheet himself on 31 minutes.

Matias Soule had opened the scoring for the Giallorossi, who went into the break boasting a healthy three-goal lead.

And while Jeff Ekhator scored late on for Genoa, it proved a mere consolation for Roma legend Daniele De Rossi and his side.

Gasperini praised Ferguson after the game, though he made it clear that the striker still has room to grow.

“Ferguson responded,” the Roma boss said at full time.

“He must have considerable potential, he’s 21 years old. That’s already an answer, but his role is very important.

“There have been some very valuable players here in the past, who allow you to aspire to greater things.

“If he continues like this, he can grow.”

Gasperini approach seems to be paying off for Ferguson

This is very much Gasperini in a nutshell. His approach is stern but fair.

Italy cult hero Christian Vieri once said that Gasperini “will destroy you in training”.

Meanwhile, the coach himself once said: “During training, my players need to struggle; those who aren’t used to working hard scare me.

But from the struggle, victories are born. If you don’t run in training then you don’t run during the game.

“Then, of course it is important to have fun in training too because from that comes the style of play and the quality.”

If you’re a young striker trying to find your feet in Serie A, Gasperini will shine a spotlight on what you’re not doing, then wait to see if you shrink or step forward.

Ferguson has stepped forward. Not with a sulk, not with a statement, but with the sort of honest, hard-working centre-forward displays that coaches can trust.

The goal contributions obviously matter, but his overall performance was noteworthy too.

The hard edge has a purpose. Gasperini is basically telling him: you don’t get credit for reputation here, only for showing the right attitude and backing it up on the pitch.

And at the moment, Ferguson is taking the message exactly the way his manager intended.