Leandro Paredes: We are expecting another tough game

Leandro Paredes spoke to the media ahead of Thursday's Europa League group stage meeting with Astra Giurgiu at the Olimpico.

See what the midfielder had to say about the clash.

What have Roma been missing since the start of the season?

"We need to be more clinical and have more confidence in ourselves going forward. If we can improve in these aspects, we can do very well."

How important is it not to underestimate the Europa League?

"We have to be focused in every match, you never get easy games. We're just thinking about working hard to put in a good performance tomorrow."

What kind of contest are you expecting?

"I'm expecting a tough game, we haven't had an easy one so far and it will be difficult tomorrow as well. We have to play at our best to get the three points. A win tomorrow would put us in the best frame of mind going into Sunday's match against Inter."

What after-effects did the defeat against Torino leave? Did it teach you not to make certain mistakes again?

"The loss was tough to take, it hit us hard. Now we're just focusing on playing well tomorrow. We have to get three points, they're very important for us. We're trying to stay concentrated in every training session and be 100% motivated."

The coach said you could be the man to fill Miralem Pjanic's shoes. Does that responsibility weigh on you a lot?

"It doesn't weigh on me, I thanked him for what he said about me. I want to do whatever I can for the good of the team."

Is it better to play every minute at Empoli or be rotated here at Roma?

"Of course I'd like to play every game, but we've got a lot of fixtures this season and our midfield is fairly full. Obviously I won't be there every week, but I'm happy to play whenever I'm picked and there'll be an opportunity to get more minutes."

Is it dangerous facing a team you don't know?

"If we're 100% focused, then there'll be no danger. We know we have to get the win and play our game. We have to be fully concentrated to do well."

Personally, where do you think you can improve?

"I can always improve in every aspect, definitely. I can still learn loads and I'm trying to achieve my aim of doing well for Roma."