Schick Relishes Roma Reunion with Leverkusen in Europa Semis

Patrik Schick couldn’t hide his excitement as he prepared to face his former club AS Roma in the semifinals of the Europa League with current team Bayer Leverkusen. The Czech striker missed out on last year’s semifinal clash between the two sides due to injury, but he’s relishing the prospect of a reunion at the Stadio Olimpico this time around.

“It’s wonderful to be back here in Rome again,” Schick told reporters. “I was injured last year, so I’m thrilled to have this opportunity.”

The 27-year-old spent two seasons with the Giallorossi between 2017 and 2019, scoring 15 goals in 58 appearances before making a permanent switch to the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. He’s since established himself as one of the most lethal marksmen in German football, netting 20 goals in 24 league games to fire Leverkusen to an unexpected title triumph this campaign.

However, Schick’s fondness for his former employers is evident. “It’s going to be wonderful seeing my former teammates,” he said. “And of course, Daniele De Rossi.”

De Rossi, the legendary Roma captain turned manager, has overseen a dramatic upturn in fortunes for the capital club since replacing Jose Mourinho last summer. Under his tutelage, Roma have rediscovered their fighting spirit and currently sit fourth in Serie A.

Schick was quick to laud his one-time teammate and revered locker room leader. “As you know, [De Rossi] was an exceptional player, a true leader of the team,” he said. “I think he has everything as a coach. He’s in line to become an exceptional coach in the future, and he’s already proving his worth. He’s improved the team and is doing an excellent job.”

De Rossi’s achievements have been particularly impressive given the circumstances surrounding his appointment. The 39-year-old had no prior managerial experience when he stepped into the dugout at his boyhood club last July after Mourinho’s acrimonious exit.

Nevertheless, he has quickly stamped his authority on the Giallorossi squad, instilling the same intensity, determination and never-say-die spirit that characterized his illustrious playing career in the Italian capital.

His impact has been keenly felt in Europe, where Roma have produced a string of gutsy performances to defy the odds and reach the Europa League semifinals for the second successive season. They’ll need to summon that spirit once more when they lock horns with Schick’s rampant Leverkusen over two legs.

For the Czech frontman, however, the primary focus will be on maintaining his own blistering form in front of goal. Schick has notched 12 times in Europe this term, including a double in Leverkusen’s 4-1 quarterfinal first-leg demolition of Feyenoord.

If he can transfer that clinical edge to the Olimpico on Thursday, Schick may find himself leaving his former home with more than just fond memories. A place in the Europa League final could also be at stake when he and De Rossi go head-to-head in a reunited battle for continental supremacy.