New Roma boss Jose Mourinho returned to Serie A after over a decade with a flying victory over Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina side. Two second half goals from Jordan Veretout and an inspiring display from debutant Tammy Abraham helped Mourinho’s Giallorossi gain a 3-1 advantage over ten-man Viola.
Speaking to DAZN before the match kicked-off, Roma defender Gianluca Mancini praised ‘the special one’ for motivating the team to do better in their opening 2021/22 Serie A game.
He said: “You can already see in the friendlies and on Thursday in the Conference League how we’ve changed mentally. Mourinho brought his mentality and you must keep up with him, otherwise you won’t play.”
Roma have seen themselves pose a whole different outlook, thanks to new signings, Jose Mourinho and also the new sporting director Tiago Pinto, who will aim at nothing less than the Scudetto title this season.
Mourinho himself praised his outfit’s display against Fiorentina, mentioning that he ‘liked the team’s sacrifice’ – coming into the match on the back of pre-season friendlies.
The coach commented: “It was a nice match even though we didn’t play too well. Fiorentina did very good, Italiano’s teams play good football. They deserve credit. I liked our sacrifice this evening even though we just played on Thursday. The offensive part of our game will come together slowly.”
He also praised the supporters for backing him and the team.
“The supporters? They were fantastic, just like the day I arrived. I still haven’t done anything yet still they’ve welcomed me very well, so I thank them.”