Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini appears to have changed his tune as far as Evan Ferguson is concerned.
Just a day after he issued his most critical comments to date about the Ireland striker’s time in Serie A, Gasperini hailed Ferguson’s two-goal Europa League display against Celtic.
The Meathman scored twice in the first-half as Roma eased to a 3-0 win against the Scottish champions.
His second goal in particular drew admiration from his club boss who, it was reported in Italy on Monday, had already made the decision to cut short his loan and send him back to Brighton in January.
Now Gasperini is talking about having patience with the 21-year-old.
“It’s never easy to win away, on these beautiful, historic pitches,” the experienced manager told Sky Sports Italia after Thursday’s win in Glasgow.
“[Niccolo] Pisilli, Ferguson and all the other changes put in good performances. They give us an option to expand the squad.
“This is a moment in which we need to make important assessments, and we have to make them in games that matter.
“Playing here isn’t easy. They were coming off a series of victories. You have to play against different sorts of teams in Europe compared to in Italy.
“As a result, you can end up against very strong strikers. It’s a different type of football in Europe.”
As for Ferguson’s performance, Gasperini said: “During the game. he did what he often does in training. Beyond the goals, the performance is important, that he plays with this spirit and intensity.
“He’s a young lad and we have to be patient. His second goal was beautiful. His performance was great, and it’s important that he plays with this spirit and shows his qualities.”
Gasperini’s latest comments are in stark contrast to his pre-match remarks, when he said: “I have nothing against [Ferguson] personally. It’s about the performances. Ferguson has had a lot of chances.
“We want to wait for him to develop, but he has to do better — not just on a technical level, but in terms of attitude.”
Ferguson, meanwhile, spoke about life at Roma under his demanding boss.
“Even though it’s been a difficult start to the season I’ve always trained, I’ve worked hard, I’ve always tried to give my best and tonight it went well,” said the Irishman.
“The stadium? I actually like playing in this environment, in this type of stadium, I’m Irish, so here I feel almost at home.”
“Gasperini? Every day he always tries to push me and everyone to the max. He expects a lot from me, he demands a lot of intensity, and that’s why we work together.”
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