Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers says he is the kind of player who enjoys featuring in pressure games.
Dessers is expected to feature for Feyenoord in the final of the maiden Europa Conference League against AS Roma today (Wednesday).
This is Feyenoord’s first appearance in a major UEFA club competition since 2002.
Dessers played a key role in Feyenoord’s run to the final after contributing 10 goals in 11 games.
And looking forward to the final with Jose Mourinho’s side, the Belgian-born Nigerian in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad said:”I’ve been lucky enough to have played quite a few finals: Play-Offs and European football finals.
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“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 to be standing with the cup in my hands.”
This would be Mourinho’s fifth appearance in the final of a European competition.
He won the Europa Cup with Porto and Manchester United (2003, 2017) and the Champions League during his time at Porto and Inter Milan (2004, 2010).
But Dessers believes the Portuguese will be wary of the threat Feyenoord pose.
He added:”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.”
6 Comments
Dessers the Pitbul, silent but dangerous striker.
Good to hear tgis…cos playing for Nigeria alone comes with lots of pressure.
Ask, Okoye, Akpoguma, Uzoho and Iwobi, they will tell you.
Desser has proven over time that he can be depended upon mostly in his club side duties. Good thing he knows we are having a tight and tense 90-minutes in Albania tonight. Mourinho is known for his defensive style of play and that is reflected in Roma’s recent results with five of the Italian side’s last six matches producing under 2 goals. In the other end, two of Feyenoord’s last four fixtures have also witnessed fewer than 3 goals scored and we can see the Dutch side’s forwards having a tough time breaking down this Roma defence. In all, it’s something to look forward to.
Dessers”*”
You go champ! I love this guy’s mentality!
In other news there is a young talented baller at Bolton wanderers who has scored 14 league goals in English 3rd division, one to look out for. A great dribbler who can play the 10 position,Nigeria would do well to get him. Rangers,Fulham are interested in him. Dapo Afolayan.Remember the name, certainly has the talent, would he fulfil the heights that his talent commands, time will tell.