Schick targets Liverpool shock after overcoming injury struggles

The Giallorossi host Liverpool in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Wednesday night, looking to overcome a three-goal first leg deficit once again.

And Schick, who has been amongst the goals himself in recent weeks, believes that the task is far from impossible.

“Like against Barcelona, it will be an amazing atmosphere,” Schick told the club's match programme. “Maybe against Liverpool it will be even better, if that is even possible.

“At the end [of the first leg] we saw they are not as strong in defence as they are in attack. We have the chance to score three times at home. We have to go out there without fear, with real fighting spirit and courage.”

The Czech Republic international could be in line to start the game, after scoring in each of his last two Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi – his first league goals since arriving at the club in the summer.

Schick saw much of the first half of his campaign disrupted by persistent niggling injuries – but he appears to have overcome the worst of them now.

“I hope I have got through a tough time now – I’m pleased to have finally scored a couple of goals,” he said. “I feel a lot better, I want to push on from this and keep on scoring.

“Maybe the boss was right, I just needed a goal or two, as now I feel calmer. I’ve worked very hard and along with my sharpness the goals have come too.

“The boss is a great person, we talk a lot and for me it is very important to have a dialogue with him. I need to thank him once again for the confidence he has shown in me.

“My biggest problem was with injuries. When I was injured I could not do anything, just physiotherapy, I couldn’t go on the pitch and I was away from the group and my teammates. It was a tough moment for me. Now I can say I am happy the worst is behind me.”

Last time out, against Chievo Verona, both Edin Dzeko and Schick scored – the first time they have started together and both got on the scoresheet.

“Yes, the understanding with Dzeko is improving, against Chievo we were all in the goals – and that gave us confidence to play together,” Schick noted.

“With Edin we speak together in Czech – he played there 10 years ago and speaks my language very well. In the dressing room and on the pitch we speak Czech.”

The youngster is enjoying his experience in the Italian capital.

“Before coming to live in Rome I did not think it was such a lively city,” he noted. “I really like the passion of the fans, it’s a great atmosphere both on the pitch and away from it.

“It was a nice surprise for me to experience this.”