Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde: “Roma are very strong, they’re built for Champions League.” | OneFootball

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde previewed Thursday night’s showdown with Roma at Stadio Olimpico.

On the eve of the first Europa League game of the season, Valverde addressed the media in the Italian capital.

“We have very young players and they have no experience in Europe, but they are still players who have played with the national teams that have won titles. Playing in Europe represents an extra stimulus but we must not overdo it, it will be a football match against a great team from Europe and Italy in a beautiful stadium.”

“The 3-0 loss with Barcelona in 2018? Memory is always selective, unfortunately I have lost many matches on many fields and I don’t remember some of them.”

“Juric? Roma changed their coach after 4 games and they have already played a great match with the new coach against Udinese, I don’t know how to evaluate his work.”

“Coaches need time but we are often not given it, it always depends on the results. In any case, Roma have started a new cycle by playing their first match well, tomorrow they will do everything they can.”

“Just look at the signing campaign, Roma have poached some incredible players. It is a team that features players like Dybala, Cristante, Mancini, I could continue with the whole list.”

“It’s a great team that in recent years has gone all the way to European competitions and won them, it’s a team built to play the Champions League so there are many reasons to be careful and cautious. Tomorrow we will play against a team of great players.”