Roma full-back Wesley spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the start of the new season.
The Brazilian player discussed various topics including Roma’s highly-anticipated Champions League campaign.
“I don’t know what it will be like to play it. I can say that the Libertadores is a very tough and difficult competition, but I don’t think it can come close to the Champions League in terms of absolute value.”
“The strongest players play here, there’s a higher value. Given the quality of the players, I think the Champions League is a sort of World Cup for clubs.”
“I hope to play great games, I have high expectations in that regard. But above all, I really want to bring joy and happiness to the Roma fans in these matches.”
“We’re coming off a fantastic year, now we’re back at the start, we’re working hard to face the new season and if something wrong has to happen or bad games like the ones we lost against Cardiff or Brighton, it’s better for it to happen now and not later.”
“Before the start of the championship, we need to understand what we’re doing wrong and how to correct it. So, all that’s left to do is work hard and improve. And make sure that what we saw, for example, against Brighton, doesn’t happen again when things get serious.”
“At Flamengo, I had to get to the byline and cross or provide an assist for a teammate. At Roma, Gasperini asks me to finish the play. That’s what he wants: for me to attack. And also for me to be able to get into the box to shoot or do something else.”
“The coach likes how I perform when I play on the left, even though it’s true that it’s not my natural position. My characteristics have almost always led me to play on the opposite flank, on the right. I try to do my best, to improve, I watch videos to understand how I can improve and help Roma in that position. And then I’m happy with Molina’s arrival; we’re talking about a great player, who will certainly be able to give us a significant boost to do even better.”
“It’s obvious that I’d love it if Endrick could come to Rome, but he’s the one who decides what’s best for his future. I’d love to see a lot of Brazilians here at Roma; there are several around the world who could be useful, but it’s always the sporting director who makes these decisions. However, if someone like Endrick, with his talent, were to arrive, I’d be very happy.”
“I’m sure we’ll be ready for the official start of the season. And I think Roma will be even stronger than last year.”
