Spalletti: ‘I spoke to El Shaarawy’

Luciano Spalletti confirmed he’s spoken to Stephan El Shaarawy, asks more from Gervinho and Leandro Castan could leave Roma.

“In the January transfer window you have to be good at getting into certain situations. We must do well to substitute players who leave or try to improve our current situation, which is not easy,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“This takes a little time, we are working on it based also on situations that were already in progress with our director Walter Sabatini.”

Luciano Spalletti confirmed he’s spoken to Stephan El Shaarawy, asks more from Gervinho and Leandro Castan could leave Roma.

“In the January transfer window you have to be good at getting into certain situations. We must do well to substitute players who leave or try to improve our current situation, which is not easy,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“This takes a little time, we are working on it based also on situations that were already in progress with our director Walter Sabatini.”

There are numerous reports Gervinho requested a transfer after Rudi Garcia’s sacking and is in talks with Chinese club Jiangsu Suning.

“Gervinho is disturbed at the moment by all the various reports. We consider Gervinho to be a very important player for us, but in my view it is equally important that he wants to put his body, quality, mind and heart at the disposal of Roma. If he doesn’t do that, then we’ll go beyond him to see others with similar characteristics.”

El Shaarawy is expected to arrive from Milan on loan with an option to buy, which could be mandatory after just five games.

“I remember El Shaarawy in a very positive way. He has technique, quality, pace and can score goals. He lost his way a little, I had the chance to speak to him and he gave me positive signals.

“If he comes here to play the final six months of the season and get back his image and a place in the Italy squad, he has to do well. There isn’t much time.

“Anyone can have moments where he delivers less than he is capable of in a profession and I think this happened to him too.”

Castan was bitterly disappointed and apologised profusely to fans and teammates via Twitter after his error in the 1-1 draw with Verona last week.

Following a year out of action due to brain surgery, the centre-back has been struggling to find form and could be loaned out in South America.

“I have absolute respect for the player and the man. He is certainly going through a difficult moment, so we need to leave him be. I think having consistency and allowing him to regain confidence in his profession is the right medicine for him.

“We will therefore evaluate and speak with the player. He is one of those players you can talk to about anything and we want to do everything possible for his own good.

“In this case, what’s right for the man and the player Castan comes first, Roma’s issues are secondary.”