Ernesto Valverde deems Roma ‘a tough opponent’

Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde was asked to weigh in on his side’s next Europa League opponent in the Round of 16.

The Spanish technician discussed the highly anticipated match-up in a press conference today.

“Roma are a tough and complicated opponent, we already know them from the group stage.”

“In recent years, they have reached at least the semi-finals and finals of European competitions. They won the Conference League and lost Europa League to Sevilla on penalties.”

“They compete well, it will be tough for us as we face a team with international experience.”

“Ranieri? We faced each other when he was the coach of Valencia. I know him, he is a reference coach for everyone, with a lot of experience.”