De Rossi: “Nobody wants Roma in the quarters”

Qualification never looked in doubt. If we’re to find a fault, at some points Roma’s possession play could have been some better, but the team passed the test.

“They passed the test [laughs]. We need to congratulate the lads for qualifying. They did the majority of the work in the first leg, but tonight’s was a serious and important match. They did it. We still need to show a bit more character because we could’ve done more when we had the ball. Brighton are excellent on the ball but like all great teams they aren’t as good without it. We could’ve taken advantage of that a bit more. I’m not saying go and score however many goals, but we could’ve had the ball a bit more and caught our breath a little.”

 These types of games are very helpful especially for the younger players. For example, we saw how Tommaso Baldanzi grew throughout the game. He started off a bit shy, but he was more confident in the second half.

“Every day he gets better. You’ve got to consider the context. It was his first knock-out game in a European tournament, in a very heated stadium, against a team that doesn’t let you have the ball very often. In those short periods when you have the ball, you’ve got to do the right thing. It’s not easy, but I think he had a great match. He fought for it as much as any of the others. I’m chuffed with him. He’s always been good, that’s why we got him. Day after day, he becomes even more of a Roma player. A proper player. He’s still got some things to improve. With his qualities, he’s got to be more decisive in front of goal.”

How well did Roma manage the game today? In terms of character, what did you like this evening given that it was a difficult ground to play at?

“Managing the ball? We definitely could’ve done a lot better. It’s true they didn’t let you have much of the ball so when you do get it, you’re tired and not so clear-headed.

“That’s why when we have the ball, we need to move better and try to draw them in so that we can then find space between the lines. We didn’t do that very much. We were a little hasty and we kicked it long. When you go long, sometimes you can hurt your opponent as we did in the first leg. They focused their preparation on one-on-ones, and they were a lot better in that respect.

“Every time we got through their press, either we kicked the ball away or we backed off. Once you get through, you have to take a second to think and realise that now they have to drop back and you can start to control the game. Every time we started to take control in open play, from the midfield up, it was difficult for them to surprise us.”

The impression is that Roma are in brilliant physical shape. What level is the team at? Some of the players seem to be flying.

“This is a team that was already in good shape when I got here. I think things are going even better in that area. The players are training hard and giving their all. I have to stress that because it’s to do with personality and also showing that willingness, even if it is their job and it’s what they have to do.

“If you go hard in training, you’re able to produce the athletic and physical performances that you need against these teams. We need to make progress when on the ball because physically we’re all there and so if we also play with even clearer heads, we’ll enjoy ourselves. We have all the qualities that we might need.”

Have you seen which teams you could face in the quarters? Are you motivated, excited or do you feel a bit unlucky? All the strongest sides have got through.

“You could say that compared with previous years, not even one of the top sides has fallen this season. That’s how it is. They are the teams you have to face and we’ll move forwards. We’ve faced some great opponents already; both Feyenoord and Brighton are very strong. We’ve had two tough knockout rounds and we’re ready for more.

“On the one hand, it is very exciting and something to motivate us as we’ll be up against the best coaches and players in Europe and competing at the best stadiums. On the other hand, a slice of luck here and there in terms of a more favourable draw wouldn’t be a bad thing.

“This is the path that we’re taking and we always go toe to toe with our opponents. I’m sure that if we hadn’t scored four goals in the first leg, we would’ve put in a different performance tonight.

“On the one hand, that’s a good thing, but on the other, we do need to keep working hard on this. As we always say in these cases, nobody will be pleased to face Roma in the quarter-finals. Looking at the teams still in the competition, there won’t be any reason to be happy regardless of what the draw throws up.”

A more light-hearted question for you. Francesco Totti was asked if he’ll return if you stay here. He answered with a smile, saying that he’ll be back in Rome first. Would you like to have Francesco around?

“We’ll see him at Fiumicino tonight! I’ll call him later and see what he says!”