Baldissoni reacts to Europa League draw

General manager Mauro Baldissoni believes Roma must go into the Europa League with the intention of trying to win it, following Friday’s group stage draw.

Luciano Spalletti’s side will face Viktoria Plzen, Austria Wien and Astra Giurgiu in Group E of the competition, after losing out to Porto in the Champions League play-off earlier in the week.

Baldissoni believes Spalletti’s sqaud is capable of faring well in the competition and, given their disappointment against the Portuguese side, should use it as an opportunity to develop a winning habit in continental competition.

“We have to go into it looking to win it,” Baldissoni told reporters, when asked for his reaction to the draw. “Roma have a team that's been put together to challenge for trophies, whatever the competition.

“We were expecting to be in the Champions League and we're all bitterly disappointed and angry about Tuesday but we only have ourselves to blame. All we can do now is do our best in the Europa League and live up to the expectations that we've created for ourselves.

He added: "We mustn't forget what happened against Porto. We need to build a winning mentality in Europe and we can do that by playing our games and showing that we're better than our opponents. That's the attitude we need to have.”

Given the draw pairs the Giallorossi with teams from the Czech Republic, Austria and Romania, Baldissoni was asked whether Group E was a favourable one for the club.

“I think we should avoid making that mistake,” he said. “We mustn't think it's an easy or a difficult draw.

“We have to make sure we're up to playing whatever competition it is without thinking about the level of our opponents. Whoever they are, you have to play them and you have to beat them.

“The only thing we're happy about is the fact we don't have to make any really long journeys that might have meant logistical problems with the games on Thursdays.”

With a week remaining in the transfer market, he also played down suggestions there might yet be significant activity at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We've said lots of times and I genuinely believe that Roma have a top-quality squad with lots of options and we shouldn't have any problems juggling Serie A and the Europa League,” he said. “You never know what might happen in the transfer market.

“If an opportunity arises, we'll try to improve further but at the moment we have nothing lined up.”