)
Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma will reunite again in the UEL with Nigeria's Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella set to play active roles.
AS Roma manager Daniele De Rossi has admitted he fears everything about the threat Bayer Leverkusen pose ahead of their mouthwatering Europa League semifinal first leg in Rome.
Nigeria’s Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella and their Leverkusen are guests in Rome looking for revenge after the club under Jose Mourinho eliminated them at the same stage last season.
)
12:30 - 24.04.2024
Mourinho hails Boniface & Tella's 'Extraordinary' coach Alonso after Leverkusen's fairy-tale season
Former Roma boss Jose Mourinho lauds ex-pupil's achievements as 'Something Special' with Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen.
)
20:15 - 27.04.2024
Victor Boniface: Nigerians talk Juju as Super Eagles star helps Bayer Leverkusen stay undefeated with draw against Stuttgart
Nigerians talk Juju as Super Eagles of Nigeria star Victor Boniface helps Bayer Leverkusen stay undefeated with a draw against Stuttgart.
De Rossi speaks on Boniface, Tella and Leverkusen
Ahead of the important first leg, the Italian is aware that Xabi Alonso’s in-form team possesses enough danger as they continue to chase an unprecedented treble.
"There's everything to fear. The way they play, they have a long streak of results. I respect their coach a lot," De Rossi stated per Football Italia.
)
"They have more work behind them with the same coach. There's a lot to fear."
What particularly impresses the Roma boss about the German champions-elect is their ability to grind out results even when things aren’t going their way.
"One thing to respect is that they are unbeaten despite often going behind," he added.
)
"In addition to being strong and playing well, they have awareness and tenacity even until the final minutes. It's one more thing that I fear and respect about them."
The Roma legend also knows his side will have to match Leverkusen’s mental fortitude if they are to get something out of the tie.
)
“It also depends on our mental and physical strength,” the former player added.
Praising Leverkusen's Quality
The Roma boss took time as well to express his admiration for some of the individual players possessed by his opposite number, Alonso, including Super Eagles duo Boniface and Tella.
)
"Several things (impress me). They have strong players put in the ideal conditions to do well. They have a physical, solid team, but they also have great quality. Wirtz, Grimaldo. Schick has always been strong, but now he is a man. Boniface is strong. They have strong replacements," De Rossi said.
"If Frimpong doesn't play, Tella plays. They have quality players but also with great skill. They know how to play but they also know how to be direct. They have built a really strong team thanks to the coach's ideas but also thanks to important signings."
Boniface and Tella will hope to help Leverkusen not only continue what has been a remarkable season but also to get one over Roma.
Related content
)
20:14 - 26.04.2024
Nigeria's Boniface reveals motivation to improve after seeing Alonso's impressive skills in training
Nigeria's Victor Boniface praises Xabi Alonso's impact as Bayer Leverkusen win historic Bundesliga title.
12:30 - 24.04.2024
Mourinho hails Boniface & Tella's 'Extraordinary' coach Alonso after Leverkusen's fairy-tale season
Former Roma boss Jose Mourinho lauds ex-pupil's achievements as 'Something Special' with Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen.
)
11:31 - 23.04.2024
Nathan Tella: How the Super Eagles man went from Arsenal reject to Bundesliga champion
Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title for the first time and Nathan Tella played a huge role.
)
18:39 - 21.04.2024
Neverlusen - Victor Boniface escapes red card as Bayer Leverkusen snatch late draw at Dortmund
Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen netted another late goal to earn a share of the spoils, with VAR saving Victor Boniface in a dramatic match against Borussia Dortmund.
)
05:38 - 21.04.2024
Super Eagles sensation Victor Boniface Declares Himself the 'Funniest Guy' at Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has become an instant fan favourite, declaring himself the "funniest guy" at the club.
)
08:24 - 20.04.2024
Victor Boniface: The Barrack Boy Who Never Doubted Himself Shares Secret to Success in Football
Nigeria's Victor Boniface says it has always been clear to him that playing football is what he wanted to do, and he never doubted himself.
)
00:20 - 20.04.2024
Bayern Munich target ex-Man United boss amid Zidane uncertainty
Bayern Munich continue to search for Thomas Tuchel's replacement after failing to land top target Xabi Alonso. Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Ragnick said to be of keen interest.
)
13:55 - 19.04.2024
UEL: German champions Boniface and Tella set for semifinal date with Mourinho's ex AS Roma
Nigerian duo Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella will join Bayer Leverkusen to face AS Roma in the UEL semifinals.
)
08:01 - 19.04.2024
Boniface and Tella make European History as Bayer Leverkusen set longest unbeaten streak record
Bayer Leverkusen's exceptional season reached a new high as they set a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in European history
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)