Former Roma player and UEFA director Zbigniew Boniek weighed in on Roma’s chances against Milan in the upcoming return leg of the Europa League quarterfinals.
The Polish executive spoke to Rai Radio 1 about the atmosphere leading up to the decisive game on Thursday evening and noted De Rossi’s positive impact on the team’s mentality.
“Milan are a very strong team, on Thursday they were a little relaxed, perhaps they thought they were playing against an inferior team. Milan were not prepared mentally and physically, they made grave mistakes. Without taking anything away from Roma, who played an intelligent game tactically, especially in containing the Rossoneri’s left flank.”
“But on the other hand there were no tactical counter-moves from Milan. Roma will play without Cristante, who gives the team a lot of balance. Milan have everything to exploit this to their advantage. Before this round started, in Rome they thought that Milan were favourites. Now everyone in the capital is hoping that we can reach the semi-finals.”
“The change of coach brought clear advantages. With the arrival of De Rossi everything changed. The players who were deemed ‘losers’ by Mourinho are no longer that, in fact they are very good. I’m sorry for it ended with Mourinho, he gave us great joy.”
