AS Roma have not won a place in the Champions League since 2010/2011, so their current bid to sear through the group stages and further into the competition is perhaps a tad ambitious. However, with the Nike logo proudly splattered on to their fresh kits, the Roman side can boldly make their way to centre stage against CSKA Moscow. Their eighth appearance in the tournament will be a driven one; Francesco Totti et al. appreciate the honour attached to such an event and haven’t shown their worth fully since 2008 under Luciano Spalletti. Current boss, Rudi Garcia, is ready for the challenge to commence, and will undoubtedly be carefully preparing each of his finest players to exert as much pressure on their fellow Group E opponents.
UEFA Champions League Welcomes AS Roma
Totti’s commitment to Roma is a testament of his good faith in the sport; his determination not to retire before he reaches 50 might be a little whacky, but he is a serious man whilst on the pitch and will certainly be seeking to add to his current 15 Champions League goals tally. However, it really isn’t CSKA that the Italian side should fear, in fact; the other two contenders in their small group are frightening at best. Bundesliga’s ultimate giants, Bayern Munich, not only always succeed in the Champions League, but are out for revenge after the prior saddening events against Real Madrid. The team harbours an abundance of German players who combine practically and wonderfully, and each have an intimidating wealth of skills. England’s rough and ferocious division, the Premier League, often witnesses the lack of mercy that trails with Manchester City, the third side ready to openly confront Roma. The Mancunian club, which includes Stevan Jovetic and Sergio Agüero, frequently wreak havoc on the field, and Roma will need to be assembled for the destruction that could break out during the tournament.
The Champions League encompasses the most prestigious clubs in football, of which won’t take any prisoners. The question hereby is whether Roma could beat CSKA, Bayern, Manchester City, and more? Chief concerns should arise when Roma face Bayern, but never underestimate the underdogs, especially when they don’t constantly make the cut. Pep Guardiola is a manager with more under his belt than most, so coming up against him will be a battle of wits; whilst Manuel Pellegrini is exposed to footballing triumphs all too regularly. This alone could be too much pressure for Garcia. However, his prior achievements within the Champions League came through Lille, so he will certainly be looking to do well at the helm with Roma.
The Serie A league table currently showcases Roma as joint second with Juventus. Whether it’s their shiny new kit or just a new outlook on trying to win their division, Garcia’s men seem to know what it takes to reach the top. With six points, they are up there with league toppers Milan, but lag in goal difference. This alone will put them in the necessary frame of mind to thunder ahead against CSKA, and then even their latter rivals, Bayern and Manchester City.
Recent transfers to the Roman club included Ashley Cole and Seydou Keita, both of whom have a great deal of understanding about what it takes to charge forth in the Champions League and show true versatility, especially Cole. Although he seemed a peculiar fit perhaps for Roma, he has done well so far despite the critics. Against Fiorentina, Juan Iturbe was tipped for success, and the young Greek centre back, Kostas Manolas, was extremely valuable against Empoli. With Kevin Strootman still ruled out with injury, Garcia will have to rely upon these flourishing players, including some of his older favourites, such as Mr. Totti himself and the slightly grumpy-faced Daniele de Rossi. Miralem Pjanić is not only creative in midfield, but hosts many original technical characteristics so vital for someone in his position. Further still, Mattia Destro has excellent striking ability, and so can fill in neatly as a goal machine, or so Garcia might intend. Putting all confidence from a managerial perspective in Totti would be not so much absurd, but perhaps misinformed, as there are clearly so many youthful players willing to proceed to goal.
AS Roma will certainly be composed, but whether they will have the right ammunition to win and make it past Group E remains to be observed. If they could outfox CSKA, they might be able to grasp enough strength to tackle Manchester City and Bayern Munich, in more ways than one.
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