The Swansea City manager could have been forgiven for holding his breath through the transfer window as he contemplated sides coming in to try and prise some of his stars away from the Liberty Stadium.
But it was an uneventful period with only Shaun MacDonald leaving the Liberty for a loan spell at Yeovil – a lack of interest that Roberto puts down, in part anyway, to the strong financial position at the Liberty.
Speaking to Wales on Sunday, the Championship manager of the month said “We’ve had a lot of compliments and some of the players have a lot of admirers. But there is a big difference from that and someone making a bid.
“Perhaps that’s understandable because clubs know our financial situation and that we have no debt. So they would have to pay top price to think about taking our players.
“And there’s also the geography to take into account and the fact we do not have the same amount of scouts as other grounds because of where we are in the country.
“Still, I will be the first one to say I’m surprised as much as I am relieved.
“Perhaps they see us as a side that plays in a very different way and that puts them off.
“In January, managers are looking for proven players to make that instant impact.
“We know that the summer could be different in that respect. The players we have here have fantastic ability.
“People may have thought the Portsmouth game was a one-off but that’s the difference.
“You never get the credit you deserve in the cup.
“The credit only comes when you are successful in the league.
“That’s what will get people talking about players and now the squad knows that the last third of this campaign could have a big impact on their careers.”