Former Roma figure: 'Roma must always be in the Champions League'
Quick summary
A former Roma player or figure argues that the club should always be competing in the Champions League, reflecting on the club's ambitions and current standing.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRoma CEO John Galantic sees ‘exciting games’ for the Giallorossi in the Champions League and is not worried by Gian Piero Gasperini’s demands in the transfer market: ‘Winners are always exigent.’
Roma learned their Champions League opponents on Thursday, and their CEO, Galantic, who was appointed at the end of July, examined the outcome in an interview with Sky Sport Italia .
“It’s a great emotion,” Galantic said, speaking perfect Italian.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, acknowledges the fans after the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Galantic: Roma stronger than last season “I’ll start with the most obvious comment: all teams are difficult. There are some exciting games; it will be so good for our fans. We’ll be ready.”
Roma will face two of their ex-coaches, José Mourinho and Luis Enrique. Will it be exciting to reunite with the Special One?
“It is. But also PSG in Paris, all the games,” Galantic said.
“I’ve been a Roma fan since I was a kid. For me, this is more than a job. It’s passion,” he continued.
“I’m truly honoured and very busy. It’s a bit of a baptism of fire, with the transfer market and the pre-season, but it’s nice to understand the reality of the sporting part. That’s where you create the value. The commercial part is important, but that is like throwing gasoline on a fire. The fire is on the pitch.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed on a plinth at the side of the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Roma have signed Santiago Castro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora and Nahuel Molina this summer, but according to several reports, Gasperini is still waiting for a left-footed attacking winger.
“The winners are always exigent. Better this way. We are vigilant. We’ll see if there are opportunities at the end of the transfer window,” said the Roma director.
“Gasperini has also said that he’s happy with the team and the players who have arrived. We are stronger than last season, and let me add that this is an important moment. Not just for the nice start on Monday, but also for the Champions League, so we have to thank the fans, the coach and the team. It’s an important moment for Roma. Roma must always be in the Champions League.”
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Donyell Malen with Paulo Dybala and Wesley Franca of AS Roma celebrates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on August 24, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Aside from Mourinho’s Real Madrid and Luis Enrique’s PSG, Roma will also meet Sporting CP, Manchester United, Lille, Fenerbahce, S. Bratislava and AEK Athens.
UEFA is expected to release the full fixture list for the league phase of the Champions League no later than Saturday, August 29.
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What happened
In a recent interview, a former Roma player — referred to as 'Galantic' in the headline — stated that Roma must always be present in the Champions League. The comments come amid ongoing discussions about the club's competitive ambitions in Serie A and European football. The remarks highlight the expectation around Roma to consistently challenge for top European places and the frustration when they fall short. The piece underlines the cultural weight Champions League qualification carries for the Giallorossi.
Chance analysis
Roma's relationship with the Champions League has long been a barometer of the club's health. Public statements from former figures reinforcing that the club belongs among Europe's elite add pressure on the current hierarchy to deliver consistent European qualification, especially as rival clubs in Serie A continue to invest heavily. For supporters, the Champions League represents both prestige and financial stability, making it a recurring touchstone whenever Roma's form dips.
No direct on-pitch impact; the comments reinforce expectations around Roma's competitive targets but do not alter current squad availability or fixtures.