Roma striker Patrik Schick says they’re “aiming for first place” in their Champions League group, as Real Madrid “won’t be as strong as last year”.
The Giallorossi have been drawn against the holders, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen, the Czech champions.
“I can’t wait to play those games,” Schick told reporters while on international duty with the Czech Republic.
Roma striker Patrik Schick says they’re “aiming for first place” in their Champions League group, as Real Madrid “won’t be as strong as last year”.
The Giallorossi have been drawn against the holders, CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen, the Czech champions.
“I can’t wait to play those games,” Schick told reporters while on international duty with the Czech Republic.
“After the draw I got in touch with Jan Kopic from Viktoria Plzen, Roma have already played Plzen in the past so they know the team. It’ll be an interesting match.
“There’s no choice at this level, you’ll always play a big team like Real, Barcelona, Manchester City… there’s no difference between them, but I think Real Madrid won’t be as strong as last year.
“Ronaldo has gone and I’m curious to see how they’ll replace him. We’re aiming for first place, that’s our objective.
“We have shown that we can play against the best, also while scoring several goals, and that obviously gives us the confidence that we can beat Real Madrid.”
Schick struggled last season after a big money move from Sampdoria, but is hoping to do better this term.
“After last season’s experience I knew that pre-season was crucial for me, I wanted to be in top condition before I started working with the team and I did, I got in shape and I’m motivated.
“Over the summer I played in all the matches and scored a lot of goals, which was a huge difference compared to last year.
“I’m a bit sad that I haven’t played much at the start of the season, and for the fact I couldn’t score against Milan, but I feel fit and motivated to show what I can do.”
The former Sampdoria man was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in Serie A.
“He’s finding out that the Italian league isn’t easy!” Schick laughed.
“Thanks to him though there’s more interest in Serie A.
“I don’t know what he expected, but I know myself how hard the Italian league is. He’s done a lot on the pitch though, it’s just a matter of time [until he scores].”
Finally, Schick confessed to some ‘confusion’ stemming from a summer of several ins and outs.
“So many players have arrived, maybe 11 or even more, among them several youngsters” he concluded.
“Alisson, Nainggolan and Strootman, on the other hand, have left the club. They were three starters.
“There’s been a bit of confusion in games, but I think the team are good. We have to settle down.”