Gasperini Says AFCON Can Be Tough on Players, But Trusts El Aynaoui to Recover

The Roma coach acknowledged the player’s recent drop in form, but insisted he believes he will bounce back in the long-term.

Rabat – Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) can disrupt players once they return to club football, but insisted he is not worried about Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui in the long term.

Speaking ahead of Roma’s league match against Como, Gasperini was asked about El Aynaoui’s recent drop in form after his involvement with Morocco at AFCON.

The Italian coach said this kind of situation is common and should not be treated as something unusual.

According to Gasperini, players coming back from AFCON often need time to settle again, especially when they return in the middle of a demanding part of the season.

“The Africa Cup of Nations often creates these kinds of difficulties, but players recover by playing and training,” he said,

He then made a broader point, saying clubs also have to think about that reality when recruiting players who are likely to be involved in the tournament, especially when it takes place during the club season between December and January.

Still, Gasperini did not sound alarmed about El Aynaoui’s case. If anything, he tried to calm the discussion around the player.

He described the Moroccan international as a committed professional and made it clear that patience is needed. In his view, El Aynaoui has the right attitude and enough quality to return to his usual level.

“El Aynaoui is an excellent player with great dedication, so we have to be patient,” Gasperini said. “He will certainly return to a better level.”

That confidence is also linked to the player’s background. El Aynaoui, 24, is no stranger to high-level football. Before joining Roma in July 2025, he had already built a solid reputation in France, first with Nancy and then with Lens.

Roma handed him a five-year contract after a spell in Ligue 1 where he showed maturity, consistency, and composure in midfield. By the time he arrived in Italy, he had already made well over 100 senior appearances.