Valverde fears Roma ‘experience’ in Europa League clash | OneFootball

Athletic Club Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde warns tomorrow’s Europa League opponents Roma have the advantage in terms of experience, despite a change of coach, but has mixed news on injuries.

The Matchday 1 fixture kicks off on Thursday at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

As with the Champions League, this tournament has also changed format to a single table with teams facing eight different opponents – four at home and four away.

It is a tough test to open the competition, but this is a familiar stadium for Valverde, who was in charge of Barcelona when they famously lost 3-0 here to Roma in the Champions League.

“Memory can be selective, unfortunately I lost many games in many venues and I don’t remember some of them,” shrugged the coach in his press conference.

“There is a difference here because we have some very young players without experience in Europe. This represents extra motivation.”

Valverde wary of Roma changes

Roma won the Conference League in 2022 under Jose Mourinho, then lost the Europa League Final a year later on penalties against Sevilla, so have more pedigree at this level in recent years than Athletic Club.

However, the side is in turmoil after the surprise dismissal of coach Daniele De Rossi, with Ivan Juric making his debut in a Serie A victory over Udinese on Sunday.

“Roma changed coach and had a great performance against Udinese, so I wouldn’t really know how to evaluate their form. Coaches need time, but often we are not given that, it all depends on results,” added Valverde.

“In any case, Roma have started a new era playing the first game well. We just have to look at their summer signings to know how strong they are. This is a team that includes players like Paulo Dybala, Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini, they went all the way in European competitions in recent years.

“This was a team built to play in the Champions League, so there are many reasons for us to be cautious. We are up against a team with great players.”

Athletic Club received some good news, as Nico Williams and Julen Agirrezebala are both passed fit and have made the trip to the Eternal City.

However, midfielder Oihan Sancet has pulled out with a hamstring issue and is also a major doubt to face Sevilla this Sunday in LaLiga.