With hours to his first ever appearance in a European final, Feyenoord FW, Cyriel Dessers has set his sights on hoisting the trophy and handing the Legendary Jose Mourinho his first defeat in a major European tournament final.
Dessers is in contention to start in Tonight’s Europa Conference League final against AS Roma at the Air Albania Stadium.
The 27-year-old has been crucial to Feyenoord’s campaign in the Competition, registering 10 goals and 2 assists in 12 appearances.
He scored two important goals in first leg semi-final against Olympique Marseille and is expected to be a major threat upfront against the Giallorossi defence.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s final, Dessers said he’s looking forward to a special game and believes he can handle the pressure.
‘ I’ve been lucky enough to have played quite a few finals Play-Offs and football finals. I’ve also played important promotions (NAC Breda) but that’s a different kind of pressure.
‘ But as a footballer you have to be able to put that off on the pitch. I am a player who likes pressure and can handle it very well.
‘ Until now I have almost always scored in semi-finals and finals, that gives confidence for this match. I want standing with the cup in my hands,” said the Feyenoord Striker.
Tonight’s opponents are managed by José Mourinho — a man with a perfect record in European finals and a serial winner.
Dessers, said, they aren’t scared of the Portuguese manager.
‘In any case, I respect Mourinho, but we should not be afraid. This is a game with two other teams that stands alone.
‘He will also look at us with respect and be wary of us. We know how they play and what we can expect. Now it’s up to us to put something in return.
‘I look forward to the final with confidence,’ Dessers told www.voetbalkrant.com.
