We really like Shakhtar game organisation wise
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
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The traditional pre-match press conference of Roma’s head coach Eusebio Di Francesco and the team captain Daniele De Rossi took place in Kharkiv. We bring you the visitors' take on tomorrow's face-off
Motivation and respect
- We understand how strong our opponents are. We really like Shakhtar game organisation wise, and I want to mention the work of the head coach Paulo Fonseca in this respect. They have an incredible attacking potential, plus the Donetsk team are used to taking part in the games of this level, continuously featuring in the Champions League. However, our team are also in great shape and they are improving their performance. Hopefully, we will show tomorrow what we are capable of. Our chances are fifty-fifty, - the Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco pointed out.
- Everyone knows that the tie consists of two legs, and I shouldn’t tell my teammates anything special, as they themselves realize the importance of those games, - said the Roma captain Daniele De Rossi. - I don’t think that someone is in a better form ahead of the upcoming meeting. It’s true that Shakhtar haven’t had any competitive games for a month and a half now, but this could be both a strength because the team were steadily preparing specifically for this match, and a weakness due to lack of practice. I wouldn’t pay much attention to this issue, recalling our previous meetings, when Shakhtar also took to the pitch after the winter break. We know how all that ended up.
How will Roma play and what’s the squad?
- Recently, we’ve used nearly the same formation with minimal changes, and only in the course of tomorrow's match we’ll be able to understand whether it’s necessary to change it radically or whether it will be acceptable against such opponents, - the mentor of Italians reasons. - The main thing is not to lose concentration and very carefully play in defensive terms, because Shakhtar control the ball well.
Di Francesco responded to the question of whether the team counts on Under who’s scored four goals in the last three meetings:
- I can’t guarantee his appearance, but I want to say that tomorrow Roma will take to the pitch and play as a team. We are delighted that we have the football player of that level in our ranks who has made impressive progress lately, but no player can be sure that they’ll take part in the match. Everyone will learn the starting line-up only tomorrow, and there’s no doubt that everyone will fight to the maximum.
Daniele De Rossi fully recovered from an injury and is eager to fight:
- I'm in a great shape now, even better than I thought. I’m fully available. Of course, everything will depend on the coach’s decision, but my fitness allows me to play in two games in a row. I didn’t train much with the teammates, but I worked well individually and got ready. As a captain, I approach the meeting very calmly, confidently and without additional pressure.
Frost is no obstacle
It did not pass without talking about the weather. According to the Romans though, that’s no problem for them.
- We understand how strong our opponents are. We really like Shakhtar game organisation wise, and I want to mention the work of the head coach Paulo Fonseca in this respect. They have an incredible attacking potential, plus the Donetsk team are used to taking part in the games of this level, continuously featuring in the Champions League. However, our team are also in great shape and they are improving their performance. Hopefully, we will show tomorrow what we are capable of. Our chances are fifty-fifty, - the Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco pointed out.
- Everyone knows that the tie consists of two legs, and I shouldn’t tell my teammates anything special, as they themselves realize the importance of those games, - said the Roma captain Daniele De Rossi. - I don’t think that someone is in a better form ahead of the upcoming meeting. It’s true that Shakhtar haven’t had any competitive games for a month and a half now, but this could be both a strength because the team were steadily preparing specifically for this match, and a weakness due to lack of practice. I wouldn’t pay much attention to this issue, recalling our previous meetings, when Shakhtar also took to the pitch after the winter break. We know how all that ended up.
How will Roma play and what’s the squad?
- Recently, we’ve used nearly the same formation with minimal changes, and only in the course of tomorrow's match we’ll be able to understand whether it’s necessary to change it radically or whether it will be acceptable against such opponents, - the mentor of Italians reasons. - The main thing is not to lose concentration and very carefully play in defensive terms, because Shakhtar control the ball well.
Di Francesco responded to the question of whether the team counts on Under who’s scored four goals in the last three meetings:
- I can’t guarantee his appearance, but I want to say that tomorrow Roma will take to the pitch and play as a team. We are delighted that we have the football player of that level in our ranks who has made impressive progress lately, but no player can be sure that they’ll take part in the match. Everyone will learn the starting line-up only tomorrow, and there’s no doubt that everyone will fight to the maximum.
Daniele De Rossi fully recovered from an injury and is eager to fight:
- I'm in a great shape now, even better than I thought. I’m fully available. Of course, everything will depend on the coach’s decision, but my fitness allows me to play in two games in a row. I didn’t train much with the teammates, but I worked well individually and got ready. As a captain, I approach the meeting very calmly, confidently and without additional pressure.
Frost is no obstacle
It did not pass without talking about the weather. According to the Romans though, that’s no problem for them.
Daniele De Rossi: For many of us this is unusual weather, but I don’t think that the cold will be of great importance. Perhaps, it’ll be difficult in the first 5-10 minutes, until we get used to the field and conditions. The main factor will be the playing attributes delivered by both teams
Today, the players of Roma made sure that the cold is not that tough, and that the pitch is perfect for winter time after training on the OSC Metalist pitch.
We want to remind you that at 21:45 at the same stadium tomorrow, the UCL Round of 16 first leg Shakhtar vs Roma is to kick off. Tickets are available.
We want to remind you that at 21:45 at the same stadium tomorrow, the UCL Round of 16 first leg Shakhtar vs Roma is to kick off. Tickets are available.
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