Strootman: We're playing at the highest level and need to rise to the challenge

Tuesday's game at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 20:45 CEST.

Journalist: How important is it for you to be back playing in a competition like the Champions League?

Strootman: “It’s very important for us, we worked hard to finish second last season to play in this competition again. Certainly the defeat against Porto [in last year’s play-off round] was painful for us. This year we are back, we are playing in it again against some big opponents – for a player that’s the best thing there is.”

Perhaps few squads in Europe have as strong a midfield as Roma. Is this an area you can make the difference tomorrow?

“Everyone always says that we have a strong midfield, but we have to prove this in every game. [Daniele] De Rossi has played a lot in the Champions League, in the Europa League, at international tournaments – he doesn’t lack any experience. Me and Radja [Nainggolan], however, have a little bit less. It is not only about the midfielders though, we have a role to play but the whole team has to work. Also personally I need to show a bit more, because I have not always played well.

"We need to show we are a strong side in every game. In the Champions League the opponents are always tough and the teams always play good football. Tomorrow we have to find a higher level.”

You said that last year you didn’t always play very well – now do you feel like the pre-injury Strootman, or do we still need a bit of time to see the real Kevin?

“That’s a difficult question, I hope you can give me an answer after tomorrow’s game – maybe you will come and tell me whether I am the true Strootman or not? Perhaps I have changed a few things in my game, I was out for two years and that is a long time. I will always have to do more things to be ready for games, I always have to be vigilant [with my preparation].

"I feel good physically, especially because last season I played more than 50 games. When I am tired I start to do the easy things wrong – this is one thing I need to get better at.”

In the summer there were transfer rumours surrounding you – did you think about leaving Roma?

“Two months ago I renewed my contract for five years – I wasn’t thinking about leaving Roma.”

Do you thing the team is stronger than last season?

“It’s difficult to say, we have only played two games. It’s not straightforward to compare two squads. Maybe it’s a comparision that can be done after a few months. We have a lot of confidence in how we want to play and how we prepare for the games. But we have to put that into practice if we want to do better than last season.”