Lopetegui: "We're looking forward to meeting Roma, it'll be a close tie"
Sevilla's coach analysed today's Europa League Last 16 draw: "Roma are one of the great side of Italian football, they're a quality side but so are we".
Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui has given his reaction to this afternoon's Europa League Last 16 draw in which his side were drawn against AS Roma in the next round. Sevilla are at home for the first leg on 12 March with the tie being decided in the Eternal City a week later. Lopetegui was pleased with the outcome of the draw but is expecting a close couple of games.
"It's an attractive tie, against a great team, we're very excited by it and we are hoping we can make through and into the next round. We're confronting the tie with all of the ambition in the world - it will be two very interesting and entertaining games between two balaned sides. I expect it to be very close", Lopetegui told Movistar+.
Goalless draw angers Sevilla fans
Lopetegui was whistled by Sevilla fans after the team could only muster a goalless draw against Rumania outfit Cluj at the Sánchez Pizjuán on Thursday. The Spanish club booked their place in the Last 16 on away goals after taking a 1-1 draw from the first leg. Meeting Roma next is just the motivation the team needs. "We know them well. There are not just about Dzeko, they have several very good players, but we will be battling to make the quarter finals", he explained. "By chance, Monchi spent two seasons there, he told me he had a feeling that we might get drawn against Roma, and he was right - that's how it's turned out. Roma are one of the great side of Italian football, they're a good team, a quality side - but so are we"