Strootman: We need to be at the top of our game to progress

The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg in Portugal, meaning the Giallorossi will progress to the group stages of the competition with a victory or goalless draw at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night.

Read what Strootman had to say as journalists quizzed him ahead of the tie.

One gets the impression watching you play that you're in great physical and mental shape. How are you feeling after getting back to form?

"Physically I'm feeling good. I haven't reached my top level yet for sure, but I feel good and I played two games in three days for the first time since coming back, which is important. My team-mates are helping me loads and that makes things a lot easier for me. I'm ready to play."

Porto look dangerous up front but more vulnerable at the back. Do you need to put them under pressure right from the off?

"I prefer not to speak about the opposition, I just want to focus on Roma. The gaffer will decide how we approach the match. It will be a tough contest. We played well for the first 30 minutes at their place, but after the red card and especially in the second half they created chances and showed they are dangerous in attack. We need to be on top of our game physically and psychologically because it will be a tricky encounter."

What did it feel like to wear the captain's armband against Udinese?

"Pulling on the armband was a special feeling. It's clear who the three captains are at this club and I was touched to be able to wear it against Udinese. However, we've already got three captains here and that even makes life easier for us."

The fiery atmosphere in Porto had an influence on proceedings, are you expecting the same at the Olimpico?

"I hope it will be like this. When the Olimpico is full it's difficult for any opponent to play us; the fans are like our 12th man. I hope they all come tomorrow, a full stadium means the game will be less difficult for us."

On paper a goalless draw will be enough. Could it be tricky with this thought in mind?

"It's a difficult situation because whenever we step onto the pitch, we always do so in order to win and score goals. We can't play with everyone in defence, we've never approached a match in this way, apart from maybe the second half against Porto. We'll go out there trying to win, we have to go for it."

Have some of the run-ins you had against these opponents last time out left a mark ahead of the return leg?

"Our only focus when we go out there is to win the game. It's a massive contest for us and them. It's worth millions for the players and the clubs. They want to win and so do we. Certain things can happen and they might happen again tomorrow, let's wait and see."

Do you feel you're the man to inspire your team-mates to victory?

"I always want to help the team. We have so many players with character on the pitch and some have more experience than me. Other guys here have played loads of games in the Champions League, Europa League and at the World Cup, while I haven't. They're the ones who have to lead us to victory in the big games, the same is true of tomorrow as well."

Towards the end of the Udinese match, you were playing in a deeper role. Is Luciano Spalletti working with you on this new position?

"No, he's not just working with me. We focus a lot on tactics because they are important for winning matches. For example, it was 0-0 against Udinese, so we changed something in the second half and went on to win 4-0.

"Tactically, the coach is fantastic and we have to learn from him. All the midfielders at Roma can play in different ways, not just me. It's fine if the manager puts me in front of the defence because we know all the things we need to do in every position."