Tammy Abraham ahead of Leverkusen clash: ‘it would be a dream to lift the Europa League’

AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham has revealed his desire to win the Europa League title ahead of Thursday’s semi-final first-leg clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

The stakes have never been higher for Roma, with success on the continental stage their only realistic chance of earning a Champions League spot for next season.

The Giallorossi have faltered in the Serie A top-four race, having failed to win any of their last four games, drawing and losing two each.

Their recent stumble leaves them five points adrift of fourth-placed Inter Milan in the Serie A table with four games left, so there is no margin for error in the two-legged encounter with Leverkusen.

Abraham, who has just one goal in 11 Europa League appearances this term, predicts a difficult match for the Giallorossi, who have to be at their best against the Germans.

“Bayer Leverkusen are a great team,” Abraham said (via Alfredo Pedulla). “I’ve played against them before, and I know what to expect. They play great football and have an amazing coach and players. 

“We know it will be a difficult challenge and a complicated away game, so we will have to give it our all and focus on ourselves. It would be a dream to win the EL.

Mourinho’s side will do well to put their recent struggles behind them to earn a result against Leverkusen, who have transformed into a dangerous opposition under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship.

Alonso – a former disciple of Mourinho during his playing days – has steered Leverkusen toward the upper echelons of the Bundesliga table and on course for European qualification.

Die Werkself have lost just one of their last 15 games in all competitions, making light work of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the previous round.

Abraham helped his side to a hard-fought 4-1 victory over Feyenoord Rotterdam in the last round despite what the scoreline suggests.

The 25-year-old will hope to play a part in Thursday’s encounter and improve his paltry statistics in the Europa League this season.