Bojan believes Roma will be extra motivated for playing Barcelona at Camp Nou as he reflects on his experiences of Serie A.
Both Bojan and Barca Coach Luis Enrique are veterans of the Italian capital and ahead of the meeting between the teams on Tuesday, the Stoke City forward has spoken to Marca.
“The first leg was a match Barca dominated, but it’s always difficult to play against Italian teams who close the space very well,” he said.
“Roma have very fast forwards and uncomfortable players and it won’t be easy for Barca. In addition, playing at Camp Nou is always an extra motivation.”
Bojan added that the Clasico shouldn’t have a lingering effect on Barca before discussing Enrique.
“The Clasico can be a great mental and physical strain, but the players are used to playing games like this, World Cups or European Championships,” he argued.
“Why didn’t Enrique do well at Roma? There’s a different mind-set in Italy. They didn’t understand the type of game Luis wanted.
“The perception of Italian players is accustomed to tactical play and it’s not easy going in another direction when you’ve been taught something so different.
“But this is one of the things that didn’t depend on [Enrique]. At Barca he’s got a squad with some of the best players in the world. That helps.”
It was put to Bojan that a year ago, Enrique was on the brink of losing his position at Barca, and Bojan noted how and why things have changed since.
“It’s down to the change in the locker room. It’s business as usual now, with everyone pulling in the same direction,” he continued.
“Then the results started coming and the players came together and their confidence developed.”
Neymar and Gerard Pique are two of Barca’s most prominent players and Bojan was asked about each, the former’s on-field qualities and the latter’s off-field character.
“I’m not surprised by Neymar. As with Brazil he carried the pressure of an entire nation. He doesn’t seem like he’s 23,” Bojan said.
“Pique doesn’t [offend people] on purpose. He loves to have fun. It’s not easy to live with all he represents and be surrounded by the envy he generates by the player he is and what he has achieved.
“It creates a lot of envy and he knows it. He’s an extraordinary person, a great professional and there is no debate.”
The interview concluded on a personal note as Bojan continues his recovery from a long injury lay-off and eyes the Spain team.
“I’m happy to be playing football again and enjoying it. My knee feels very good and the feelings return with each week,” he confirmed.
“The national team is a reward. I try do to the right things with my club and then the Coach decides. It’s a goal for any player.”
