Paulo Roberto Falcao, the legendary former midfielder of AS Roma, expressed his thoughts on the team’s current struggles during his appearance on the program Sky Calcio Club on December 15, 2023. The discussion came on the heels of Roma’s disappointing 2-0 defeat against Como, which has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike.
Falcao, who spent five seasons with Roma, emphasized the importance of patience as the team navigates this difficult patch. "È un momento delicato per la Roma ma penso che Claudio è la persona giusta perché ha esperienza e conosce l’ambiente. Bisogna avere un po’ di pazienza. La Roma non è abituata a giocare nella bassa classifica, però mi fido molto di Claudio," he stated, referring to the team's head coach, Claudio Ranieri.
This loss marked another chapter in Roma’s challenging season and left fans worried about their position. Falcao urged supporters to rally behind the team during this time, saying, "La Roma deve essere discussa, non può andare bene tutto. Non in questo momento, però, adesso serve l'aiuto del pubblico." The iconic atmosphere surrounding the club demands both love and constructive criticism, particularly when results are unfavorable.
Delving deep, Falcao articulated the emotional burden the players carry during such testing times. He pointed out, "La parte emozionale è il fuoriclasse della squadra, che è la mentalità." It is this mindset, he believes, which will be pivotal for Roma’s resurgence. Over the years, the connection between the team and its supporters has been highlighted as fundamental to success, and Falcao echoed this sentiment generously.
When discussing the leadership of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma’s captain, Falcao offered his endorsement by stating, "Il capitano è quello che si fa valere, scelto dalla squadra. Lui è adatto." This indicates Pellegrini's suitability to fulfill the demanding role, especially during turbulent moments for the team.
Reflecting on the fans and their perception of support, Falcao criticized the adage, "la Roma non si discute, si ama." He believes it’s important to engage critically with the team’s performance, asserting, "Se una squadra è forte ha bisogno di essere discussa, perché se non si discute si accetta tutto." This highlights his view on the role of dialogue and debate among fans as they navigate through these testing periods.
The emotional fabric of the game, especially the connection between Roma and its followers, stands out for Falcao. He recalled the fervent support during his playing days, implying the necessity for fans to express their loyalty through active participation rather than silent adoration. He concluded his thoughts by reiteratively reflecting on the current emotional make-up of the squad and how Ranieri's experienced leadership may steer them back on course.
Falcao's historical admiration for the club and his experiences suggest not just nostalgia but also insight, urging for unity and resilience as Roma battles through these rough seas. Only time will tell how swiftly they can reclaim their stature on the Serie A table, but with voices like Falcao supporting them, there's hope for rejuvenation.
