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Villarreal manager Escribà: “We can’t be foolish against Roma.”

John Solano

Fran Escribà, Villarreal manager, and Villarreal and ex-Sassuolo attacker Nicola Sansone spoke today ahead of their match against Roma:

ESCRIBA

How’s the team?
We’re fine, everyone is available. Tomorrow I will decide who will play and who will be the strongest 11 for this match.

Everyone is available?
Yes, Roberto Soldado is also back, I needed a sign from him and he is important for us. It lt’s normal that it takes a bit of time for him to get back to his level. If he does not play tomorrow, he can play in the return leg.

Tactically what kind of match will it be?
We will try to be ourselves and to score. We must be very careful not to make fouls near the goal. We know that they are very fast and we have to defend well. There is also a second leg in Rome so we can’t afford to be foolish.

Another Italian team for you.
Historically, Villarreal have obtained positive results against Italian sides. We know Roma and their strength, it is very important not to make mistakes and we have to be calm because the goals will arrive. We have to give 100%.

Totti is the only player still active from the last Villarreal-Roma.
He’s always been a unique player, he has respect wherever he goes to play. When he’s ready to come on and enters the pitch, the environment changes. He is great but so is the whole team.

SANSONE

What feelings do you have for the match?
We have a good feeling, we will play our usual good football as we do against everyone, not only against teams like Real Madrid or Barcelona. We will give 100% tomorrow.

What kind of match do you expect?
I know Roma well, I think they’re a strong team. They have improved in defense. But we are also strong and it will be an even match, a good show.

Percentage passing on to the next round? Is Pellegrini, your former teammate, ready for Roma?
There are no percentages, no one knows who can pass. Lorenzo is a great player for the future and I think he can play at Roma.

Are the lack of goals a problem?
We are missing them, it is true, but we defend well, the goals will come. I’m positive.

A Spanish team that Roma could be compared to?
Sevilla or Atletico Madrid.

From what you say it seems that you are not afraid of anyone.
I’m not afraid of any team, in the end it’s 11 against 11 and anyone can win.

Match Center

MatchDay 24
9 Feb 12:30
Venezia
VEN
Roma