Feyenoord snuck a narrow win in Rotterdam last week thanks to Mats Wieffer’s solitary strike, and Dutch coach Arne Slot is aware of the tie still remaining wide open despite the lead. The 44-year-old manager believes the return leg at Stadio Olimpico will kick off on a new slate, with the UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie very much in the balance ahead of the semis.
Speaking to Voetbal International (via VoceGiallorossa), Slot gave his preview of the highly-anticipated encounter.
“We will start all over again at the Olimpico. And if we don’t win, I would sleep well that same night and I certainly wouldn’t stay awake for ten months.”
Slot then provided an assessment of José Mourinho’s side.
“A very tough game awaits us in Rome. We already realized that in the last 25 minutes at De Kuip. We felt this pressure. But it also seems logical to me that it will be difficult. I didn’t think we would win with the hands in your pockets when we drew the Giallorossi. It’s an incredible duel in which everything is very much in the balance.”
Roma have progressed from each of their last three major European knockout ties when losing the first leg by one goal, including in this season’s UEL play-offs against RB Salzburg.
? Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is popular with Premier League clubs. ??
Crystal Palace, West Ham, Leeds and Tottenham are all showing an interest in his services for next season.
(Source: Times Sport) pic.twitter.com/4iGMrXidZ8
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 13, 2023
Moreover, Slot and Feyenoord’s five-game away winless streak in Europe (D3, L2) will serve as a boost for the Giallorossi.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |