Ex-Roma player Paulo Sergio breaks down upcoming Bayer Leverkusen clash | OneFootball

Former Roma and Bayer Leverkusen footballer Paulo Sergio weighed in on the upcoming clash between the two teams in the Europa League semifinal.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sergio – who played for Bayer for four years between 1993 and 1997, and for Roma between 97-99 – commented, “They will be two good matches, an even duel for both teams.”

“After all, we are talking about two teams who play well and who like to dominate the game. The work that Xabi Alonso did, with the Bundesliga victory, is truly something incredible.”

“What surprised me the most is how they managed to resume the last two games, against Borussia and Stuttgart. Two draws against strong teams and, theoretically, with greater motivation, given the championship victory. Bayer is a team that always works until the end, that never dies. It’s the mentality that Xabi gave them.”

“I’m not surprised by De Rossi’s impact at Roma because in Rome they always told me that he could become an excellent coach. He is doing well, I am happy that the club has confirmed him as their long-term option.”

“With him in charge the team grew, while with Mourinho I thought there were some problems. And then Daniele won the derby, the one in Rome is a match that gives you wings.”