Roma Champions League Ambition: Galantic’s Clear Vision

FolioPitch.com – 28 August 2026 | In a bold declaration that sets the tone for the club’s European campaign, Roma CEO John Galantic has emphatically stated that Galantic Roma must always be in the Champions League. Speaking after the Giallorossi learned their league-phase opponents on Thursday, the American executive made it clear that participating in Europe’s premier competition is not a luxury but a standard for the Italian capital club.

Galantic, who took over as chief executive at the end of July, expressed his enthusiasm in an interview with Sky Sport Italia, delivering his thoughts in flawless Italian. “It’s a great emotion,” he said. “I’ll start with the most obvious comment: all teams are difficult. There are some exciting games; it will be so good for our fans. We’ll be ready.”

Roma’s draw pits them against a host of heavyweight sides, including two clubs coached by former Roma managers: José Mourinho’s Real Madrid and Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain. The prospect of facing the Special One again adds an extra layer of narrative to an already fascinating schedule. “It is. But also PSG in Paris, all the games,” Galantic responded when asked about the reunion with Mourinho. The fixture list also includes Sporting CP, Manchester United, Lille, Fenerbahce, Slovan Bratislava, and AEK Athens, ensuring a demanding but thrilling road ahead.

For Galantic, this is far more than a corporate responsibility. “I’ve been a Roma fan since I was a kid. For me, this is more than a job. It’s passion,” he said, reflecting on his personal connection to the club. “I’m truly honoured and very busy. It’s a bit of a baptism of fire, with the transfer market and the pre-season, but it’s nice to understand the reality of the sporting part. That’s where you create the value. The commercial part is important, but that is like throwing gasoline on a fire. The fire is on the pitch.”

The club has already been active in the summer transfer window, securing the signatures of Santiago Castro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Rodrigo Mora, and Nahuel Molina. However, reports suggest that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is still awaiting a left-footed attacking winger before the window closes. Galantic remained calm and pragmatic when addressing the coach’s demands. “The winners are always exigent. Better this way. We are vigilant. We’ll see if there are opportunities at the end of the transfer window,” he said.

Galantic also took the opportunity to boost confidence within the squad, insisting that the team is stronger than the one that finished last season. “Gasperini has also said that he’s happy with the team and the players who have arrived. We are stronger than last season, and let me add that this is an important moment. Not just for the nice start on Monday, but also for the Champions League, so we have to thank the fans, the coach and the team. It’s an important moment for Roma. Galantic Roma must always be in the Champions League,” he reiterated, underscoring the club’s long-term vision.

The CEO’s words carry weight beyond mere optimism. They reflect a strategic shift in Roma’s ambitions, aligning financial stability with on-pitch success. For years, the club has fluctuated between domestic competitiveness and European inconsistency, but Galantic’s leadership appears focused on changing that narrative. The investment in new signings, coupled with Gasperini’s demanding approach, signals a clear intent to compete at the highest level consistently.

As the Giallorossi prepare for their opening Serie A fixture and the upcoming Champions League campaign, fans can take heart in the knowledge that the club’s leadership is thinking big. The draw may be challenging, but it is precisely the kind of stage Roma intends to occupy year after year. Galantic’s message is unambiguous: the Champions League is not a temporary stop but a permanent destination for this club.

With the full fixture list expected to be released by UEFA no later than Saturday, August 29, Roma supporters will soon be marking their calendars for what promises to be a memorable European journey. The road ahead is tough, but under Galantic’s guidance, the club is embracing the challenge. As he put it, the fire is on the pitch, and the flames are burning brighter than ever.

Ultimately, the mantra from the Roma hierarchy is simple and resolute. Galantic Roma must always be in the Champions League, and with the right blend of ambition, investment, and passion, this season could mark the beginning of a new era for the Giallorossi. The fans, the players, and the coach are all on board, ready to write the next chapter in Roma’s storied history.