AS Roma striker Donyell Malen has opened up about the profound anxiety of watching his teammates from the sidelines after receiving his first career red card. Speaking alongside coach Gian Piero Gasperini during a high-stakes pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Malen detailed the intense stress of the incident against Como 1907 while turning his immediate focus toward a blockbuster UEFA Champions League showdown against Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Dutch forward, who has enjoyed a prolific start to the campaign since arriving from Aston Villa, was dismissed with a straight red card by referee Michael Fabbri during Roma’s league match against Como. The suspension rules him out of domestic action, leaving him to experience the agonizing sensation of helplessness as his side suffered defeat. However, with Real Madrid visiting Rome for the club’s first home fixture in Europe’s elite competition since 2019, Malen is eager to channel that motivation onto the pitch.
🔴 Como Dismissal
Malen received the first straight red card of his career against Como 1907, forcing him to watch from the stands as his teammates fell to defeat.
⭐ Champions League Test
Roma hosts Real Madrid at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico, marking the club’s long-awaited return to home Champions League football.
🤝 Bellingham Reunion
The Dutch international is set to square off against his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham in Madrid’s midfield.
Coping With the Aftermath of a Costly Red Card
Reflecting on the dismissal at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, Malen admitted that the psychological toll of the suspension was entirely unfamiliar. While awaiting the official ruling from the Sporting Judge regarding his exact domestic suspension length, the striker maintained that there was no malicious intent behind his challenge on Jacobo Ramon.
“I have to say that, after the match, watching my teammates play was one of the most stressful experiences I’ve had in a long time. When you receive a red card, and your team loses, you feel it’s your fault.— Donyell Malen, AS Roma Striker
“Personally, I’m less frustrated now,” Malen added during the press conference. “It happened; I didn’t intend to hurt anyone. So we move on. We’re highly motivated for tomorrow’s match. I think it will be a fantastic night for Roma because we’ll be playing at home in the Champions League against a great club like Real Madrid.”
Thriving Under Gasperini in Serie A
Since arriving at the Giallorossi from Aston Villa last January, Malen has wasted no time establishing himself as an indispensable attacking pillar under Gian Piero Gasperini. With six goals in his first six Serie A appearances of the season, the Dutch marksman sits atop the Italian top-flight scoring charts, seamlessly integrating into the tactical framework.
| Key Press Conference Topic | Donyell Malen’s Stance & Quotes | Managerial / Tactical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Como Red Card | Admitted watching from the stands was extremely stressful; insisted there was no intent to injure. | Awaiting Sporting Judge suspension verdict; expected to miss upcoming Serie A fixtures. |
| Real Madrid Clash | Extremely motivated for a historic European night at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico. | Soule favored to start alongside Dybala and Malen in attack. |
| Bellingham Reunion | Excited to face his former Borussia Dortmund teammate whom he knows very well. | Tactical battleground in midfield and attacking transitions. |
| Life at AS Roma | Praised Gasperini’s trust, teammate warmth, and fantastic fan backing. | Leading Serie A scorer with six goals in six matches. |
When asked what makes the environment in Rome so conducive to his stellar performances, Malen credited the collective backing of the club. “First of all, the coach, who trusts me and gives me plenty of playing time,” he explained. “I also think my teammates welcomed me very warmly for who I am, both as a person and as a player. They have always supported me, as has the coaching staff. Then there are the fans and the city, which I find truly fantastic.”
Anticipating the Jude Bellingham Re-Encounter
Beyond the collective ambition of securing a statement victory against Madrid, Wednesday night’s fixture brings a personal milestone for Malen as he locks horns with England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
“No, I haven’t spoken to him. I know him very well; we played together for a long time. He’s a truly special player with incredible quality. I also have a great relationship with him, and I haven’t seen him for a while, so it will be nice to meet again.— Donyell Malen, Roma Forward
With a sold-out Stadio Olimpico roaring behind them and tactical configurations pointing toward Malen starting alongside Paulo Dybala and Matias Soule in the final third, Roma enter the fixture with immense belief. For Malen, Wednesday provides the perfect stage to transform the lingering frustration of Como into an unforgettable Champions League performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Donyell Malen say about his red card against Como?
Donyell Malen admitted that watching his Roma teammates play from the sidelines after receiving a straight red card against Como was one of the most stressful experiences of his career. He noted that he did not intend to hurt anyone but felt responsible for the team’s defeat.
How has Malen performed for AS Roma this season?
Since joining AS Roma from Aston Villa last January, Malen has established himself as a key player. He currently leads Serie A as the top scorer with six goals in his first six matches.
What did Malen say about reuniting with Jude Bellingham?
Malen expressed excitement about facing his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham in the upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid, praising Bellingham’s exceptional quality and noting their strong relationship.
Who is Roma’s manager and what is the status of Malen’s suspension?
Gian Piero Gasperini manages AS Roma. Meanwhile, the Sporting Judge is set to determine Malen’s exact domestic suspension following his straight red card against Como 1907.
Sources & Official References
This report was compiled and verified using primary coverage and official statements from the following sports news outlets:
