Positives for Llorente and Lucas

Fernando Llorente and Lucas Moura found the sweetest reward after an intense few days of training, as they both bagged braces in our 4-1 victory over Roma on Wednesday night.

The attacking pair both started at the SDCCU Stadium in San Diego and produced solid performances as they dominated the first-half proceedings. Fernando managed to grab his two goals before the game had even made it past the 20-minute mark, the second being assisted by Lucas before the Brazilian himself put two past Roma’s Antonio Mirante.

We had fallen behind within three minutes following Patrik Schick’s strike, but Fernando was glad that we could quickly respond to the early setback.

“It was very important (to respond quickly) because we had started badly. In the third minute they had scored their goal. It was a difficult moment,” the striker said.

“We scored quickly, though, which was important for us, for our confidence. We believed and we scored more goals. It is very important in this period to prepare in the best way. We are working very hard and I think we’re starting in the right way.”

After Fernando had scored his goals, it was Lucas who popped up to extend our lead as he rose highest to head in the third.

“It’s not normal to score with the head (for me) but I’m always there. I need to be alive!” he smiled.

“I’m so happy for the team as we’ve had a good game against a great team. I’m so happy for the goals, for the performance. We need to keep up the work because we have two more big games and it’s important for the season to prepare.

“Obviously the objective is to prepare for the season but it is important to win. When we wear the shirt, we need to be aiming to win. We need to keep working and continue to play like we did today.”

Ahead of the game against Roma, the players had spent the week training at the Loyola Marymount University in the heat of the Los Angeles sun. Fernando believes working in such conditions is of great benefit as preparations continue for the season ahead.

“It is difficult because it’s different conditions,” he admitted. “We are very happy to continue working in these conditions, though, and so I’m very happy for the win tonight. We need to continue in this way.”

Lucas also felt that our tour of the United States is providing additional benefits, other than just helping with physical conditioning.

“I think it is very important for the team as every day we are together,” he said. “We are a little far from our families but sometimes it’s good. I’m enjoying it here. I hope we win the next games and go back home very happy.”