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Roma manager Daniele De Rossi has praised his team for a heroic performance against Bayer Leverkusen but is unhappy with the outcome.
Roma manager Daniele De Rossi has praised his team's "heroic" performance against Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen, despite the Giallorossi's exit from the Europa League on Thursday.
Roma let a two-goal lead slip away as Leverkusen fought back to draw 2-2 on the night, securing a 4-2 aggregate victory over the Italian side at the BayArena.
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Despite the disappointment of the result, De Rossi was quick to commend his players' efforts, acknowledging the strength of their opponents.
"It was a heroic performance, but Leverkusen are a really strong team," De Rossi told Sky Sport Italia via Football Italia.
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"I thought our performances in both legs were good, we didn't have enough shots on goal and sometimes that can make the difference, but the lads were incredible."
The Roma boss also highlighted the physical and mental exertion his team had to endure, having played a grueling match against Juventus just two days prior.
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"Just two days ago we were giving our all until the last second against Juventus, again tonight we had to push with incredible physical and mental exertion," he said.
"When you manage to get it back from 2-0 down and go close to the miracle, knowing nobody has ever beaten them this season, it hurts to see us concede a goal like that. It hurts."
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Despite the heartbreak of the Europa League exit, De Rossi has urged his team to maintain their fighting spirit and focus on the remaining games of the Serie A season.
"We have to keep going, maintain this spirit and play the final games of the season," he concluded.
Roma will switch attention to the Serie A where they will continue push for a place in the Champions League next season.
They face Europa League finalist, Atalanta, who currently occupy the final UCL spot albeit on difference and also have a game in hand.
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