Ludovic Giuly has spoken to skysports.com ahead of Roma's Champions League quarter-final with Man United.
French ace wary of English giants
Roma ace Ludovic Giuly has spoken exclusively to
skysports.com ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United.
The French forward admits that Roma have been unlucky to be drawn against United, and feels it is the worst draw they could have got.
Roma, who beat Real Madrid in the last round, faced United at this stage last season but were humiliated in the second leg at Old Trafford as they lost 7-1, after they had won the opening match 2-1 in Rome.
"Man United is the worst rival possible in the Champions League, but after we knocked out Real Madrid our morale is high and we are prepared for the challenge," Giuly told
skysports.com.
"I did not play last season in the 7-1 defeat at Old Trafford but my team-mates have told me what a big blow it was.
"But this season [in the group stages] we played well against Manchester in the first game and that is a signal that things could be different in the quarter-finals.
"I believe it is a positive thing for us that people consider the English side the favourite for this round as that adds extra pressure on them.
"They can see we knocked out Real Madrid and so Manchester will have to think that our elimination will not be easy."
More than Ronaldo
Giuly also insisted that United are not just a one-man team in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo.
"United is not only Cristiano Ronaldo," he insisted.
"To think of the Portuguese as a unique player who we cannot stop would be sporting suicide - they possesses a sensational squad in all areas."
The former Barcelona star wants to use his experience to help Roma past United.
"During my time with Barcelona I was the winner in some decisive moments against British clubs, now I want to follow that up and reach the semi-finals," he said.
"The key to this round is making sure of a good result in Rome and not to concede a goal. Then we can go to Old Trafford without fear and we can erase the memories of the 7-1."
Roma talisman Francesco Totti will be missing through injury and Giuly admits his absence will be a blow.
"The injury of Totti is a very negative thing for us, but in our squad we have men capable of causing Man U danger," he concluded.
