Mixed messages from Roma on Evan Ferguson, with Gasperini not 'convinced'

Juventus defender Daniele Rugani (L) tussles with Roma's Evan Ferguson. Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP via Getty Images.

The mixed messages from Rome around Evan Ferguson's continue, with Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini admitting he has been unconvinced by the Ireland striker, and insisting he'd pick Paulo Dybala ahead of him "every time".

However, Roma director of football Frederic Massara was much more positive this weekend on Ferguson's prospects of staying at the club beyond the January transfer window, indicating the club believes in the Brighton player.

Ferguson started on the bench in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Juventus but looked lively as a second half sub. It was his shot that Juventus keeper Michele De Gregorio parried for Tommaso Baldanzi's goal, while the Meath man also had an attempt for the equaliser saved in stoppage time.

Perhaps stung by suggestions Ferguson might have started in place of Dybala, who played as a 'false nine', Gasperini was surprisingly frank in his assessment.

“If I have to choose between Dybala and Ferguson, I’d choose Dybala every time. It’s not about Ferguson; it’s a choice I’ve made before, and if that’s the choice, I choose Dybala."

Earlier, speaking with Sky Sports Italia, Gasperini had said: "Ferguson hasn't convinced me yet. Even in the second half, for a long time. He hasn't fully entered the rhythm of the game, like some others. But we have a very solid team. Dybala and Soulé served very well and have superior technical quality. I would make the same choice again. 

“Whoever started the game is who I think is doing best. It’s clear that Roma is currently trying to improve and strengthen themselves in that area of the pitch.”

Expanding on that topic, Gasperini against suggested Roma will be looking to add a forward in January. 

“I’m very satisfied with the performance, the spirit was commendable, but we’ve lost to Inter, Milan, Juventus and Napoli and it’s no coincidence. It means we are missing a step. We’re close in certain situations, but we have an important fanbase and an important club behind us. We must aim to improve and I hope the January transfer window can help us do that. It’s not easy, but we have to believe. 

“I don’t know if it will come from the transfer market, but surely it’s an opportunity."

Roma have the option to activate a €40m clause to buy Ferguson from Brighton next  summer.

Speaking before the game, Massara said: “We believe in him. He arrived in Italy just four months ago, he is a 2004-born player and he needs time to adapt. He is giving important signals; he is a strong player who is still growing.”