Daniele De Rossi discusses loss in first leg vs Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Roma manager Daniele De Rossi discussed the team’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the Europa League semifinal.

In his post-match interview with Sky Sport, De Rossi said, “We played against a strong team and if they take the lead it becomes difficult to recover due to how they manage the ball. We were a bit hasty after the goal.”

“The overall performance was done correctly. I liked the first half. We recovered the ball early and forced them to get rid of the ball, that’s what we had prepared. And then we unlocked many matches in Europe too immediately and they turned in our direction and today the opposite happened.”

“Did Karsdorp’s mistake cost us? Episodes are always decisive but it would be unfair if today we pointed the finger at someone, when perhaps in other matches we won on the mistakes of others. It’s okay, it’s part of the game. We all get out of this together, there is still the return leg to play for.”

“Sometimes the episodes influence the outcome. We could have handled certain situations differently. At the last second we had an incredible opportunity. Today was their night, it’s their year and going ahead excites them.”

“Abraham’s miss? Every goal can have incredible value. But today after a little while we hit the crossbar, maybe on the return we’ll unlock it and the game changes. I believe in it a lot, obviously it will be difficult but let’s not give up.”

“Going strong puts you at risk of giving them space, they have fast players. Against strong teams you have to make choices and our choice was paying off. We conceded a goal on a ball we were controlling. After the goal we could have done better.”

“It also happened against Bologna after the second goal, we needed to be more clear-headed. But from the point of view of attitude and attachment, the boys were good. I’m sure we’ll play our game there too.”