Jose Mourinho arrived to Roma on the back of much fanfare and has managed to keep his job intact due to renewed optimism regarding the capital club’s campaign. He also has been backed heavily by the club’s management including American chief Dan Friedkin and fellow Portuguese sporting director Tiago Pinto.
Now, former Roma manager and legendary Italian tactician Fabio Capello has come out and defended the Portuguese coach on his new journey.
In an exclusive interview with Il Massaggero (via Romapress.net), the former Giallorossi manager, who last won the club’s Scudetto title in 2001, drew similarities between his and Mourinho’s hiring at the Stadio Olimpico and backed him to last long at the helm.
He said: “Roma are a team that already has an idea of how to play. They have their own personality as well as a clearly-defined way of how to be on the pitch. Even when they’re losing, Mourinho is still willing to take risks. I really like that.”
In May 1999, after his dismissal from Milan, then Roma president Franco Sensi hired Capello, who he believed to be a ‘winner’.
“It’s true that there’s a bit of a similarity between Mourinho’s arrival at Roma to mine. Like myself, José was brought to Rome to build something—just like when Franco Sensi hired me. When I arrived, it took a bit of time to understand what exactly the team needed. After the first season, I discussed our needs with the president and the following season I was much more satisfied. I hope this ends up being the case for José,” explained the experienced Italian.
Roma sit fourth after ten matchdays, with 19 points, just behind Inter, Napoli and Milan.