Pere Romeu: 'Roma is a tough team, this is the Champions League'

Following a dominant 5-2 victory over Paris FC to open their Champions League campaign, FC Barcelona is set for their second European fixture tomorrow in Rome. The Catalan side returns to the Italian capital for the second consecutive season, facing a Roma squad that is expected to provide a stern test. Head coach Pere Romeu emphasized the difficulty of playing away in Europe, noting that the team must deliver a high-level performance to secure points in a challenging environment.

Reflecting on the start of the season, Romeu highlighted the resilience of his squad despite significant personnel shortages. He noted that the team has maintained a perfect winning record despite having to integrate players who had limited training time due to injuries and the U-20 World Cup. Romeu expressed pride in how the group has managed these logistical hurdles, stating, 'I value September highly; we have had to juggle the squad, but we are finally returning to our true identity as a cohesive unit.'

Historically, Barcelona has faced various tactical setups in Europe, and Romeu expects Roma to be no different. He described the Italian side as aggressive in their high press, favoring play in the opponent's half with active forwards and overlapping fullbacks. However, he remains cautious about the specific tactical version of Roma they will encounter, as many teams choose to drastically alter their usual style when facing a powerhouse like Barcelona, potentially making them even more dangerous.

Personnel challenges continue to impact the squad, most notably the absence of 15-year-old sensation Mayssa Baha. Despite her recent goal-scoring debut, UEFA regulations prevent her from participating in the Champions League until she turns 16 next January. Romeu expressed his disappointment regarding her lack of continuity in the competition but emphasized the importance of her long-term development, encouraging her to look up to teammates like Ewa Pajor as she continues to grow within the league.

Looking ahead, the return of U-20 World Cup champions, including Carla Julia, provides a significant boost to the team's depth. Julia expressed her excitement to rejoin the squad and contribute immediately, noting that the players remained connected to the team even while away in Poland. As the squad regains its full strength, the outlook remains positive, with Romeu confident that the team is growing and ready to tackle the complexities of the European campaign with renewed vigor.