Monchi reveals there is something he ‘really likes’ about Roma’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Barcelona – playing the second leg at home.
Monchi acknowledged Roma ‘weren’t very lucky’ about being drawn Barca, who are still unbeaten in Europe and La Liga this season, but made it clear he had ‘faith’ in the Giallorossi to pull off a shock progression.
“We weren’t very lucky, but we want to play this tie,” the sporting director told Premium Sport.
Monchi reveals there is something he ‘really likes’ about Roma’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Barcelona – playing the second leg at home.
Monchi acknowledged Roma ‘weren’t very lucky’ about being drawn Barca, who are still unbeaten in Europe and La Liga this season, but made it clear he had ‘faith’ in the Giallorossi to pull off a shock progression.
“We weren’t very lucky, but we want to play this tie,” the sporting director told Premium Sport.
“I have faith in my team, we have to go out with the desire of doing something important.
“We know that Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, but we must think we can move forward.
“In football, you play 11 against 11. If we do things properly, we can move forward. Barca aren’t just Messi, they’re a very good team, but Roma can still beat them.
“Valverde’s Barcelona is more balanced, they’ve improved a lot defensively and they’ve grown a lot.
“Do Spain fear Monchi and Alisson? Maybe, because I know Barcelona well, but I’m sure Alisson will give even more.
“Advantage of playing the first leg at Barcelona? I really like the fact the return will be played at the Olimpico,
“if we leave Camp Nou with a good result, we can have a good game with our fans behind us.”
The former Sevilla supremo then responded to rumours Napoli had a 40m bid rejected for Roma goalkeeper Alisson.
“Did Napoli ask for Alisson? I read something about that, but I’ll reply with a smile. Maybe it’s an early April Fools joke…”