Roma manager Paulo Fonseca spoke to the media this evening, just one day ahead of his side’s showdown in England against Manchester United.
The Giallorossi face the Red Devils for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tomorrow at Old Trafford.
Previewing tomorrow’s affair, Fonseca highlighted the importance of this opportunity for the club as they enter their second European semi-final within the last three years.
“It’s a very important match, it’s not every day that you’re in a European semi-final,” he said.
“We want to fight for the club and the supporters, it’s been very important for us to feel their support. It’s a very important moment for us.”
“Being greeted by the supporters before we left was great, it’s an added motivation. Obviously all of us are already motivated, but this extra bit from the supporters can help the team.”
“This match is against the favorite to win the entire competition. We’ve prepared well for this game, but I also spoke to Smalling and Mkhitaryan – two guys who have played here and have experience playing in these types of games this far in a competition.”
He continued, “We know tomorrow will be difficult, we respect Manchester but we have our ambitions. Their attack is strong, but I have confidence in my players. Also, Smalling being here with us and playing tomorrow is very important. We’re prepared to face a team with a lot of attacking quality.”
