Tiago Pinto expecting two exciting games against Ajax

General Manager Tiago Pinto gave his reaction to the Europa League draw on Friday.

Roma will face AFC Ajax in the quarter-finals of the competition, with a potential semi-final meeting against either Manchester United or Granada awaiting the winner.

The Giallorossi have beaten Sporting Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk to reach this stage of the competition.

Here's what the General Manager had to say...

What’s your initial reaction to the draw?

“My initial reaction is one of happiness because we’re in the quarter-finals of an important European competition such as the Europa League. After two tough ties we are now up against a top team in Ajax, a team who have such a history in European football. They reached the semi-finals of the Champions League not long ago.

“However, it will be a compelling challenge for us and we will look to continue to move forward, game by game.”

Ajax are also top of the Eredivisie. How tough will these two games be for Roma?

“Yes, Ajax are a top team. Every year they reinvent themselves and always seem to keep signing talented players, such as Antony, David Neres, [Dušan] Tadić - who has been there for a few years now. They’re a team that have had a lot of success domestically in recent years, almost dominant, I would say.

“So, they represent a tough challenge. They have a very attractive style of football which is so embedded in their history, and this tie will undoubtedly be the most intriguing one in the quarter-finals, as both teams look to play an attractive and aggressive style of football. So, it will be a great tie but, obviously, we’ll be trying to get through.”

Roma is the only Italian team still playing in the Europa League. Are you proud of this?

“I think it would be best for Italian football if other Italian teams qualified as well. What I hope for is that we’re able to represent the team, the city and the country and we’ll try to win as many points as possible for ranking purposes.”

It’s hard not to consider the possible semi-final between Granada or Manchester United. Do you have a preference between the two of them if you manage to beat Ajax?

“My focus is beating Ajax. It’s one match at a time. First in Amsterdam and now here in Rome. For now, I’m focused on the match against Ajax and then maybe after that we’ll see what happens.”