Mancini explains Roma-Como tension: ‘I had more respect at his age’
Gianluca Mancini explains what happened with Jacobo Ramon and Cesc Fabregas in that tense ending to Roma’s win over Como. ‘I had a lot more respect for older players.’
The Giallorossi were in need of a boost after back-to-back Serie A defeats to Napoli and Cagliari, both by 1-0 scorelines.
They managed to win this time by the same result, as Wesley Franca fired his angled drive between the legs of Alex Valle to secure the victory.
Mancini in thick of Roma-Como action
“I think we were first to every ball, we absolutely dominated the first half, and it’s really rare to see Como with so little possession,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.
“We weren’t able to make that domination count, but in the second half we kept up the tempo, scored with Wesley and had a few risks, but over the course of the full 90 minutes, it was absolutely a deserved win.”
There was tension in the final moments of the match, as Mancini seemed to shoulder barge Jacobo Ramon in an off the ball incident, then the two started arguing.
After the final whistle, the problems continued, and the Italian was in an intense conversation with Como coach Fabregas as they tried to explain their respective positions.
“There was a collision with Ramon, it was normal, but he got back up and grabbed me by the neck,” explained Mancini.
“When I was 20 years old like him, I had a lot more respect for older players, otherwise I would’ve got a slap in the tunnel. I told Ramon to calm down, but he kept going. Adrenaline can fuel this sort of thing, but it’s all in the past now.
“With the coach, we cleared the air, and that’s all.”
This result means that Roma consolidate fourth place, but above all they close to within three points of new Serie A leaders Inter.
They are just one behind Napoli and two adrift of AC Milan, making for a very tight Scudetto race.
“This is what the coach asks for, this kind of intensity, I’m very happy with the goal, but above all for the performance and victory,” Wesley told Sky Sport Italia.
It is already the third Serie A goal of the season for the right-back, who was not exactly prolific throughout his career.
“I am really pleased with the goals. Director Massara asked me how many goals I scored for Flamengo, I said four, he joked I needed to double that with Roma. I hope to manage it. I came here to help the team, hopefully with goals too.”