Paulo Fonseca and his Roma squad touched down in Portugal this evening as they prepare to face Braga tomorrow in the Europa League.
The Giallorossi tactician appeared briefly at a press conference ahead of the first leg and confessed that it’s a unique feeling to face his former club, who he managed from 2015 to 2016.
“It’s special to be here,” Fonseca said. “I spent one year here and won a cup trophy, but it’s also special because I left so many friends here that I worked alongside.”
As for his team, the Portuguese technician stated, “The players are aware of Braga’s quality, it will be a tough game.”
“Many of them may not know the Portuguese league well, but it was necessary to advise them of the quality here. They’re aware that we’ll have to be at our best.”
“Braga can fight against any team and play on pay. We all need to be focused as a collective, I expect an open match given that both teams like to press, attack, and take the initiative.”
Before concluding, Fonseca also revealed that striker Edin Dzeko will return to his starting formation – the first start for the Bosnian since the pair’s row three weeks ago after their Coppa Italia defeat to Spezia.
“Dzeko? He will return to the starting formation, but the captain will be Bryan Cristatnte.”