Mario Hermoso was in a tricky situation at AS Roma. He is now set to strengthen the defense of double winners Bayer for half a year. At his presentation, he talked about goals, strengths, difficult months – and tips from Mats Hummels.
After the medical check on Thursday, the official Bayer communiqué followed on Friday: Mario Hermoso is coming on loan until the end of the season and is expected to strengthen the weakened defense after the loss of Jeanuel Belocian. According to the 29-year-old, he could fulfill this role as early as next Sunday against TSG Hoffenheim. Is he ready for the squad? “Of course,” the Spaniard confirmed at his presentation, “not only physically, but also mentally.”
The past few months have certainly not been easy for the defender, who can play as a left back or a center back. After his contract with Atletico Madrid expired and he joined AS Roma in the summer of 2024, he initially only made sporadic appearances for the struggling team, and then missed several weeks due to muscular problems – and thus also missed the start of work of coach Claudio Ranieri, who took over in mid-November and stabilized Roma again.
Respect for Ranieri, in agreement with Xabi Alonso
“I couldn’t start with him,” said Hermoso. “And one thing is clear: when things are going well and the team is winning again, you have to stick with it. That’s how I feel too. When things are going well in life, at work – you don’t have to change them.” So he had no criticism of Ranieri for the fact that he played almost no role after his comeback and only rarely got to play. “He’s one of the greatest coaches in Europe,” said the defender, expressing his respect.
Respect that he also feels for compatriot and world star Xabi Alonso. “The way I understand football is very close to how he lets Bayer play. We want to convince people of football, be good with the ball, be a team that presses high,” said Hermoso, who is considered a good build-up player and is under contract in Rome until summer 2025. Bayer does not have a purchase option. After all, the youngster Belocian is not to be blocked after his return.
