Roma boss José Mourinho has spoken to the press ahead of his side’s Europa League group stage opener against Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets. He took into account the Giallorossi’s path into the second-tier of European football following a record first Conference League title victory.
Talking to UEFA’s site (via VoceGiallorossa), the Special One spoke on a plethora of subjects, including becoming the first-ever manager to conquer every European competition and the weight of managing Roma.
“How do I feel? I’m the only one who has made it, no other player or coach has done it (he shows the tattoo with the three UEFA Cups on his right shoulder, ed). It really makes me laugh, we’re joking, but if you think about it for a moment, it’s something to be proud of. However, there is still a long way to go and I will try to achieve something more.”
He then took stock of his arrival at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Although you always have to study before joining a club, I say that you really get to know the players and the team when you start working with them. The fundamental thing was to build a mentality that had not been present in Rome for many years. It was done in parallel with another crucial element for me: empathy. It goes beyond the group, as it also extends to how the side is perceived by the rest of society. This club is worth much more than the squad, it has enormous weight and is under pressure from the community and the fans. It was an important season, not only for the players, but also for the outfit in general and for me too to be honest.”
Mourinho was also asked to give his thoughts on the Conference League.
“In a final, a team should feel as comfortable as possible. I never believed in the surprise factor. For me this is a side á la Mourinho, in which players feel at ease, like a raft that ends up lost and must be saved. The footballers play the role of the artists. They have to make a difference in this game, and I have had some that managed. The fans arrived in great numbers, they took the city by siege and this helped Roma celebrate the victory of a title after so many years.”
Roma and Ludogorets face each other for the first time ever on the competitive stage. The Giallorossi have faced Bulgarian opposition on ten occasions, with each of the last eight coming against CSKA Sofia.
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