Roma defender Gianluca Mancini has opened up about his personal growth and the team`s strong start to the Serie A season. In a recent interview, Mancini credited former coaches Claudio Ranieri and Daniele De Rossi for helping him develop a more mature approach to the game.
“I used to overthink things, which drained my energy,” Mancini admitted. “Ranieri was instrumental in making me reflect on this. He once told me that when he faced me as an opponent, he disliked me. De Rossi also helped me realize I was losing focus. Their guidance helped me find a better balance. I`m still very competitive, but I manage my energy more effectively now.”
Discussing Roma`s impressive start to the season, Mancini emphasized that their victories were well-earned. “We fought hard for our wins. I know our coach, his qualities, and his character. We may have had some luck, but we didn`t steal anything from anyone. There`s always a reason why things go well or poorly.”
With Roma currently keeping pace with defending champions Napoli at the top of the table, Mancini expressed the team`s ambition to qualify for the Champions League. “That`s our goal. A club like Roma, with this level of support, should be playing in the Champions League. We`ve come close in the past two years, reaching the Europa League semi-final and final. We`re an experienced team now.”
Looking ahead to Roma`s upcoming match against Inter, Mancini acknowledged the challenge. “It`s a tough one. Inter are among the strongest teams in the league, along with Napoli. But we`ll be ready. It`s the kind of match that will show what we`re really made of.”
Mancini also took a moment to praise young talent in Serie A, singling out former teammate Giovanni Leoni. “Among the youngsters, I`d say Leoni, even though he`s left now. He`s a strong lad, a defender with real quality. I wish him well.”
As for his own future with Roma, Mancini expressed contentment but remained focused on the present. “I`m happy here. There`s mutual love between me and the fans in this city. I`d be very glad to stay, but I don`t want to think about that now. I`m focused on improving and never stopping learning.”
Aditya Kapur