Europa League

Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu: “Yesterday’s match versus Roma was similar to the final.”

John Solano
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 15: Orkun Kokcu of Feyenoord in action during the UEFA Europa League group F match between Feyenoord and SK Sturm Graz at Feyenoord Stadium on September 15, 2022 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu revisited yesterday’s 1-0 first leg victory over Roma in the Europa League.

The Dutch side escaped with a narrow win after the Giallorossi missed a penalty on top of several high percentage goalscoring opportunities.

“The second half against Roma was especially difficult,” Kokcu told ESPN.

“Things got way tougher after the 70th minute because they had more of the ball. We didn’t put much pressure on them and they started playing more long balls and this was difficult.”

He added, “Up until then I think we dominated the game, they didn’t really have much to say before that point. We didn’t create a ton of chances, which is a shame, but it still feels good to win.”

“The game went exactly as I thought: we expected the game to be similar to the final in Tirana where we have a lot of possession while they defend and try to counter.”

“But we were also lucky they didn’t score the penalty because they could’ve entered the break with a 1-0 lead going into the second half.”

Match Center

MatchDay 25
16 Feb 18:00
Parma
PAR
Roma