Neil El Aynaoui joined Gian Piero Gasperini for Roma’s pre-match media conference the day before the Giallorossi take on Nice in the Europa League.
This is what our French midfielder had to say…
You’ve made a good start at Roma, settling in quickly in pre-season and showing that you can be an important player for the team. How are you adjusting to life in Rome? Do you expect to play tomorrow? And how do you expect Nice to play since they’re a team you know well?
“I know the French league very well but I feel very happy where I am now. I’ve started a new life here, at a new club and I’m trying to adapt slowly. I’ve got to know my team-mates and I try to do my best every day. The training methods are different but I try to make sure I’m ready whenever I’m called upon and always give my all for the team.”
You worked under Nice coach Franck Haise for one season at Lens. What sort of team can we expect to see? What does he give his teams and what are the main dangers?
“Yes, I know him well. It was under him that I played my best football at Lens two years ago. We can expect to see a team with a similar philosophy to the one the boss [Gasperini] has brought to Roma. We’ve seen videos of how Nice play. Having played for him two years ago I expect them to be well drilled.”
Last season you scored eight goals in Ligue 1. Now that you’ve had a taste of Italian football, do you feel you can make a big attacking contribution at Roma too?
“Italian football is very different to French football. I don’t know if I’ll be able to score the same number of goals but I’m sure I can help the team even if I’m not scoring. The numbers aren’t what really matters; the main thing is helping the team by giving your all.”
