Roma director Gianluca Petrachi warns Istanbul Baseksahir that they “want to go a long way” in the Europa League with Paulo Fonseca.
The Europa League campaign kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“You build a winning mentality by making sure the players understand how important this competition is for the club,” Petrachi told Sky Sport Italia.
Roma director Gianluca Petrachi warns Istanbul Baseksahir that they “want to go a long way” in the Europa League with Paulo Fonseca.
The Europa League campaign kicks off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
Click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“You build a winning mentality by making sure the players understand how important this competition is for the club,” Petrachi told Sky Sport Italia.
“We have been very clear with the squad, we want to go a long way in this tournament. We won’t underestimate the opposition, as they have very good players and we need the right initial approach to the game.
“The Coach has also been working on that message and I hope the players don’t take this lightly. I have been won over by this Coach and his mentality. He is young, but very forward-thinking.
“It’s not easy to immediately make an impact in Italy, but even if he doesn’t speak Italian perfectly yet, he is able to communicate so well with the lads. I think day by day, we are growing as a unit and in terms of tactics too.
“I am optimistic, believe we are on the right path and that the players are following what the Coach wants. It’s not easy to win, but I think he has this culture of good football and hope that can bring something important to Roma.”
Javier Pastore is a surprise entry into the starting XI this evening.
“The Coach is putting Pastore in his best position, which is as a trequartista,” continued Petrachi.
“There can be no alibis, this has always been his favoured role. He trained well and if Pastore plays like the real Pastore, he certainly makes the difference. Now it’s up to him to win back the affection of the fans who waited for him.”