Former Roma striker Patrik Schick is delighted to be back in the Italian capital for Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final with his current club Bayer Leverkusen, and also had some complimentary words for the opposition’s coach, Daniele De Rossi, during his pre-match media duties.
The two sides met at the same stage of the same competition almost exactly a year ago, when former coach Jose Mourinho guided the Giallorossi to the final after a 1-0 victory on aggregate against Leverkusen.
Shick was not involved on that occasion, however, due to an injury he had been struggling with in the weeks prior.
Expected to start up front for the undefeated Bundesliga Champions this time around, Shick is very happy to be back at his former home in Rome.
“It’s wonderful to be back here in Rome again, I was injured last year,” he said, reported via TMW.
Schick on De Rossi
Then, speaking about De Rossi, with whom he briefly shared a dressing room for one season, Schick added: It’s going to be wonderful seeing my former teammates and De Rossi, who as you know, was an exceptional player, a true leader of the team.
“I think he has everything as a coach, he’s in line to become an exceptional coach in the future, and he’s already proving his worth. He’s improved the team and is doing an excellent job.”
Roma and Bayer Leverkusen will meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night, kicking off at 20.00 BST.