Pellegrini: ‘Tough moments, but Roma always believed’ | OneFootball

Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini admits the team ‘went through difficult moments, but we always believed’ in their chances of turning things around.

The midfielder was speaking at a traditional dinner of the various Roma Club chapters of the Italian Government.

It was attended by Pellegrini and defender Gianluca Mancini, along with Chief Administrative Officer Lorenzo Vitale.

“We went through difficult moments, but we always believed,” said Pellegrini in a speech.

“I want you all to know that your suffering was our suffering.”

Pellegrini saw Roma struggles

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Eldor Shomurodov of Roma celebrates with teammates after he heads the ball to score his teams second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Monza at Stadio Olimpico on February 24, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

It has been a chaotic time for Roma, as Jose Mourinho was fired in January 2024, then Daniele De Rossi was dismissed early into the new season, with Ivan Juric lasting only six weeks before his dismissal.

Claudio Ranieri was talked out of retirement to help rescue their campaign and the veteran Roma supporter has indeed managed to steady the ship.

He has overseen 12 victories, five draws and five defeats, taking them into the Europa League Round of 16.

It was a tough campaign for Pellegrini too, who was pushed to the bench under Juric and helped back to confidence and form by the paternal ministrations of Ranieri.