'This kind of result can increase the belief'

On finding it hard to break Roma down…
"We had problems to create clear cut chances, and that was down to the quality of their defending and resilience. I was apprehensive because you knew that with the final played here on their home ground, that Roma would give everything. I also must congratulate Roma. They played very well tonight and made it very difficult."

On showing mental strength…
"I am proud of the mental strength because that is something which has been questioned a lot in our team. You could see that we have improved tremendously on that front. After conceding a first early goal on a missed cross and missing the first penalty after 120 minutes, you need something special, mental strength to come back and win it."

On the importance of getting through…
"I was very concerned if we were the only [English] team to go out tonight, that it would have been detrimental to the progress of the team, so it will certainly help us to improve our confidence. The team has swum a lot against the stream. I believe this kind of result can increase the belief and the self confidence which can help us for the rest of the season.

"But let's keep our feet on the ground and first win against Blackburn on Saturday."

On the lottery of penalties…
"I did not think at all it would go to penalties. Sometimes we do in training, but not the day before. I had my mind made up in the second period of extra time who would take the penalties, and Diaby was one of the players to step up on the pitch."

On Roma's penalty claim before half-time…
"It was a very close call. I would like to see it again on the replay. It could have been. Did Gael touch Motta or not? I was worried about that."

On all four English teams progressing…
"England can be very proud to have four teams in the quarter-finals for the second year, but we have not to be fooled. The games with the three Italian teams - Juventus, Inter and Roma - were very close and it looks like Italy is coming back."

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