Road to Tirana: Fans Give Their Views on the Final!

On the eve of one of the biggest matches in Roma's recent history, how are the fans feeling?

With the Giallorossi set to face Feyenoord in the final of the Europa Conference League on Wednesday evening, anticipation is building at the prospect of an unforgettable evening in Tirana.

Ahead of the contest, we spoke to five Roma supporters to gauge their thoughts, feelings and hopes ahead of the big game...

THE PANEL

Nadette
@MrsDuncanJames

Enzo
@pure_romanista

Sebastian
@CalcioASRoma

Lupo
@LupoTVofficial

Wayne
@WayneinRome

Wednesday will see Roma play in a final for the first time since 2013, a first European one since 1991. What are your emotions heading into the game – and what would it mean to you to see the team perhaps lift a trophy?

Nadette/@MrsDuncanJames: "To me, this means everything. The first match I ever watched as a Romanista was the Supercoppa Italiana of 2006 - where I saw Roma lose a trophy. I've seen the team win things since, but seeing this group lift a trophy again after working so hard for it during the past few years would be a dream come true."

Enzo/@pure_romanista: "I've been thinking about the UECL final since the moment the final whistle blew against Leicester. I'd be lying if I said I'm not nervous. The anticipation has been difficult to deal with. Winning it would be gratification for the years of love we have shown this team!"

Sebastian/@CalcioASRoma: "It’s been a long time since we’ve been in a final so the emotions are high. Something you think about everyday. I keep thinking to myself we need to try and enjoy the occasion as fans but I won’t lie to you, I have more nerves than excitement."

Lupo/@LupoTVofficial: "I’m nervous and excited. It would mean the world. Roma are a club that has everything except trophies. Us Romanisti deserve this trophy. It’s been a long time coming. With Mourinho, this was the goal and we are right there."

Wayne/@WayneinRome: "I’m excited. Roma have a chance to win the first ever Conference League, set the tone for Year One of this project, and use it as a platform for success. Lifting the trophy validates all the hard work this team has put in, from ownership and staff, down to the players, and even everyone at Trigoria."

Roma started their Europa Conference League campaign last August in the play-offs. Can you remember what you thought of the competition then – and how has your opinion changed over time?

Nadette: "I remember that many fans weren’t too pleased when Roma qualified for the Europa Conference League, but I myself didn’t know what it was. But I mostly remember that Jose Mourinho, during his introductory interview, said that this is a trophy that he will try his best to see Roma win this season - and if our coach believes this trophy is prestigious, then I agree."

Enzo: "I saw the Conference League as a great opportunity for us from the get-go. Overlooking this competition could be seen as arrogance, we’re a club with very little history in Europe. I always viewed this competition as a chance to end our trophy drought."

"A lot of the important teams in the competition this year will be playing in the Champions League or Europa League next season."

Sebastian: "I have to credit UEFA for the creation of this competition. I expected a lot less at the start of August. I enjoyed it, even some of the other games that didn’t involve Roma. I think of the night vs Leicester and that didn’t feel like a “Conference League” game, it felt a lot more important than people thought it would. A lot of the important teams in the competition this year will be playing in the Champions League or Europa League next season."

Lupo: "No matter what people say, I always thought this should be considered a major tournament. Not only would Roma receive a major European trophy but also experience, mentality and most importantly inner belief. I always knew winning this tournament would do wonders for Roma going forward."

Wayne: "I saw both sides - just another way for Roma to pick up more injuries and complicate time that could be spent working on tactics and building team chemistry; on the other hand, if they make the most of it, the competition could be a starting point. Ultimately, we did suffer those injuries, but what Roma’s gained collectively can’t be understated."

Do you agree with Jose Mourinho’s assertion that Roma’s European run has cost them points in the league this season – and where do you think they would have finished without it?

Nadette: "Yes, Roma would probably have fared better in the league if it weren’t for their participation in Europe. I believe that the team would have battled for fourth place."

Enzo: "Of course, these extra matches always take a toll on a team, especially when you consider Roma’s lack of depth. There have been numerous occasions where we came out flat in a weekend match following a mid-week match. I truly believe the top four would have been achievable."

Sebastian: "I agree with him and I think it’s been proven throughout multiple teams who went on runs in Europe. It’s just natural especially with teams without rich depth. To me it’s not a coincidence we went on a little winless run in the league during the semi-final period."

Lupo: "I do agree with Mourinho on this. Look at Milan for example, last place in UCL and complete focus on the league. But us Romanisti must be patient. It’s just Year One with Mourinho and although we don’t have UCL, we do have Europa League and a European final to look forward to."

Wayne: "Absolutely. This tournament came at the expense of a Champions League battle. The silver lining is that winning the competition could make Roma more sustainable for success long-term, and the financial incentives for getting this far are not weak by any means."

Who do you think has been the most important player this season for Roma – and which player(s) do you think will be crucial in the final if Roma are to have a chance to win?

Nadette: "It’s difficult for me to pick out just one player, since so many of them have become indispensable for the team. However, I have noticed the great improvement that our captain Lorenzo Pellegrini has made - even more so than last year. He is a brilliant leader, who has been important in making decisions, creating chances, and even scoring a very good number of goals this season."

Enzo: "If Roma were to win, I think that the player who makes the difference will be Tammy Abraham. He has effortlessly managed to make all of us Romanisti fall in love with him with his skills, goals, and great character. His debut season has been great; and he merits a great final in a competition that he worked so hard in."

"This tournament came at the expense of a Champions League battle. The silver lining is that winning the competition could make Roma more sustainable for success long-term."

Sebastian: "Tammy Abraham for sure. Smalling and Pellegrini deserve mentions too though. But without Tammy there would be a different Roma, maybe one not in the final. A lot of his goals this season have been goals that open the scoring, he unlocks games. You need him for the final because of that."

Lupo: "Easy answer for both. Tammy Abraham. This is a forward who does as much away from the ball as with it. He constantly shows his hunger, and his passion in every single match. As teammates, when you have someone in the squad to look to and find instant motivation it’s massive. He doesn’t stop working."

Wayne: "Has to be Tammy. Last year Roma’s striker scored 13 goals between Europa League and Serie A and was on the wrong side of 30. This season, the No. 9 has 27 goals in all competitions, finishes like a demon, works hard and tracks back defensively, makes space for his teammates, and combines with them to work towards goal. These are the attributes of the perfect modern striker."

How much of a difference do you think it would make having Henrikh Mkhitaryan available for this game?

Nadette: "Mkhitaryan is one of the pillars of Roma right now, and I believe that his presence on the pitch will be essential for the match. I hope that he will be able to recover in time, so that he may continue leading Roma by example during the most important match of the year."

Enzo: "With the way Mkhitaryan has played since being moved into this new midfield role, it would be a huge loss. Not only will his ability be missed, but his calming presence as someone who has played in big finals before."

Sebastian: "I hope he can play, what he gives Roma is something unique so I think it’s tough to replace him. With a player like him you’ll always have a better chance."

Lupo: "It would be huge for Roma to have Miki in the lineup. His ability to make great decisions, keep the ball and progress the team forward is second to none. When he plays, Roma play better and I feel that’s obvious to anyone watching this team. The work ethic and intelligence he brings is much needed to ensure Roma’s success."

Wayne: "All the difference, he’s fundamental to Mourinho’s mechanics. League wise, he leads the team with passes made in the attacking third (340) and through balls, and is second in assists. He provides those small movements that advance the ball quickly, helping the team transition and be effective on the counter."

How do you think Mourinho has changed the team, and the club, in his time in charge so far – and, ahead of the final, what rating out of 10 would you give his first season here?

Nadette: "The most notable difference in this team under the tenure of Mourinho is the passion and perseverance that I see in each individual player: these are 11 players who will do what it takes to win the match. Overall, I would rate his first season a 7, with the knowledge that this is a project that we are still seeing take shape."

Enzo: "The mentality of the players is night and day in comparison to previous seasons, just look at that effort and focus against Leicester over two legs. He managed to rally the fans behind this team, I’ve never seen the Olimpico consistently packed like this in a while. I’d rate this season a 7 but winning the UECL would bump it up!"

"Mourinho took a team full of kids and turned them into men. He took a club and made the right adjustments to set them up for success, now and in the future."

Sebastian: "Mourinho for me is a reference point for Roma as a whole. To me he’s changing the culture around the club, he’s changing the environment as a whole. On a tactical level I think you see a bit more of a clear structure and identity which was something that was missing for a while. I think he laid a great foundation to build off of, both tactically and mentally, so I would say a fair 6.5, 7 if you win the final!"

Lupo: "I’m giving Mourinho an 8.5. 10 if we win in Tirana. He took a team full of kids and turned them into men. He took a club and made the right adjustments to set them up for success now and in the future. He instilled his champion mentality into this squad. It’s been years since I saw a Roma team truly believe in themselves, truly want to win, to fight, no matter the cost, until the end."

Wayne: "7. He found a team which was facing another generation of mediocrity, and consolidated it into a force with direction. He’s still working on carving out a personality within this team, manifesting something truly strong. His first season had that gap in the middle where Roma lost form, but he was able to figure out how to get them winning again and steady the ship - that’s what great managers do."

Finally, where will you be watching the game – and what is your prediction for the match?

Nadette: "I’m superstitious so I will watch this crucial match at home in Malta with my dad, away from other fans, and with my ASRAS Twitter group chat tab open. I do not want to jinx anything - but I do think that this team can win this. Daje Roma - no matter what!"

Enzo: "I originally intended on going to Tirana for the match until I saw all the issues with the ticket distribution. I’ll now be watching from home with my father, the person that led me to fall in love with this club. I’m feeling one early and one late goal, 2-0 for Roma."

Sebastian: "I was debating what to do, and because it’s the final I was thinking of going out somewhere with a bunch of fans to enjoy the occasion. But I’m superstitious so I’ll be watching alone at home like I usually do and did for the semis. Predictions: I apologize but I never give them out for Roma games, I usually don’t even think of one in my head, I can’t, it’s better I don’t!"

Lupo: "Well I was going to watch it in the stadium but those $2.5k flights just weren’t doing it for me! I’ll probably watch it at home on the big screen, and I most likely won’t be able to stay seated. This is our moment. Years of sacrifice and pain. This is Roma’s first step into becoming a club as big as their name. Roma. The biggest city in world history. This club deserves to compete with the best in the world. My prediction is 2-0 Roma. Abraham and Zaniolo to take us home. DAJE ROMA! Wednesday we fight until the end."

Wayne: "I’m leaving work early and heading to Roma Club New York, it’s like a family there and there’s always new people to meet. I predict Feyenoord will try to play direct, total Dutch football, and take the game to Roma. The Giallorossi should be able to use this to their advantage if they remain concentrated. Roma’s coaching and squad quality will be the X-factor and reason why they’re going to win!"

Special thanks to Wayne Girard for his hard work compiling the responses in this article.