Roma boss Daniele De Rossi has admitted that it would be difficult to stop Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League this season
Following Bayer Leverkusen's 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final, Roma head coach Daniele De Rossi admitted that "this is Bayer Leverkusen's year." Despite the uphill battle, De Rossi feels confident about Roma's chances in the return match.
Leverkusen secure first leg advantage against Roma
In his post-game analysis, De Rossi emphasised Florian Wirtz's opportunistic goal, which was the result of Rick Karsdorp's defensive error. "We played against a strong team that make it very difficult if they take the lead," De Rossi said, noting Leverkusen's ability to profit on errors.
"After losing 2-0 at home, we have to be honest, this is Bayer Leverkusen's year," De Rossi confessed, acknowledging the German side's power and talent.
De Rossi hopeful despite loss
Despite the deficit, De Rossi remains optimistic, noting wasted opportunities for Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham. "You never know, it could happen in the second leg that we hit the crossbar and it goes in rather than out," De Rossi said, expressing faith in Roma's ability to turn the tie around.
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De Rossi acknowledged Roma's emotional reaction to going down, emphasising the importance of being calm and focused under pressure, saying, "We got too emotional and swept up after going behind," he said, acknowledging the team's psychological difficulties.
‘Leverkusen’s Year’ — De Rossi
De Rossi also praised Leverkusen's unbeaten record and imposing presence on the pitch, adding, "[It's] Leverkusen's year, they won the Bundesliga, they do not just have quality, but also a great deal of physicality and stamina,"
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Despite the defeat, De Rossi remains optimistic about Roma's prospects in the Europa League, saying the team will “change something," in order to be ready for the return leg.
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