Europa LeagueInterviews

Rui Patricio before Real Sociedad: “It will be a great night of European football.”

Andy Mattioli
I

Roma goal-keeper Rui Patricio also attended today’s presser ahead of Thursday night’s first leg of Europa League playoffs with Real Sociedad at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The Portuguese shot-stopper answered the media’s questions minutes before Roma’s training session.

“I think it will be a great night of European football in front of our fans. I hope they can help us put in a great performance.”

“It would be important for us to win, I take this opportunity to thank the fans for their fundamental contribution. We’re very grateful for their support. Tomorrow I hope will be another great evening.”

Patricio also touched on Roma’s defense: “The defensive solidity is based on last season’s work, we must always do better as a team and individually. We are conceding fewer goals and we have to keep growing to achieve all the goals we have set for ourselves.”

“For me, the important thing is to work hard. We got several clean sheets this year, but the goal is always to win. What good is it to not concede goals and not win? Criticism is part of the job, but it shouldn’t distract us.”

“Smalling? He has already proven to be a worthy leader. He is an important player for me and for the whole team. I’m in no position to talk about his contract. I can only speak well of him, he’s a great person and deserves the best.”

Match Center

MatchDay 29
17 Mar 18:00
Roma
Sassuolo
SAS