Roma take on CSKA Sofia at the Stadio Olimpico in Group C of the UEFA Europa Conference League group opener. The Romans have been paired with Zorya Luhansk, CSKA Sofia and Bodo/Glimt and will look to get off to a flying start in the continental tournament.
Ahead of the match, Jose Mourinho spoke to the press in his pre-match conference at Roma’s Trigoria complex.
When quizzed about Roma’s positive start to the season with five straight wins, he replied in typical Mourinho-esque fashion, saying: “5 wins are not 50. There is no reason to be ultra optimistic or positive, out of question. Everyone should understand that it is a process and that we have only been working for two months.”
“We feel the revolution and yes, at all levels. But let’s stay calm. The fact that the stadium is always at its best for the fans is nice and maybe it can help to understand that there is a great desire for all the fans waiting for normality,” he added.
Roma have only used 13 players so far this season in five matches.
Speaking of which, Mourinho said: “They know that even if they don’t always play as a starter, they’re part of the team. They look at us how we look at them, how we talk to each other, how we make comments in training. They understand without many words.”
Mourinho is the first manager in football history to win three UEFA competitions – Cup Winners’ Cup with Barcelona (as assistant manager), the Champions League with Inter and the Europa League with Manchester United.
A Europa Conference League victory would etch his name in football folklore.
He said: “I feel my mission as a leader is very easy. As an assistant I also won a Cup that no longer exists: the Cup Winners’ Cup. I think I would like to win the Conference League. I don’t think I’ll be the only one in history to do it. We are still a long way from winning this competition.”
Mourinho will look to maintain his 100% win record in competitive matches since taking charge.