The Roma coach, on the eve of the last day of the Europa League group stage: “We need to win for the fans, for ourselves and for the game itself. Contract renewal? I have clear ideas.”
“Last year, Paulo played more matches than he did with Juventus in the previous season. This year, he had an issue in Cagliari, and now this new injury, but in the end, he’s a player that gives us a lot when he’s on the field. I prefer to say that we are lucky to have him, and as a coach, I am very happy to have him,” said José Mourinho, ahead of the Europa League match against Sheriff Tiraspol, regarding Dybala’s latest muscle injury, keeping him out until the end of the year.
While Dybala will be absent, Renato Sanches will return: “He will play tomorrow. He has been training with us for two consecutive weeks. I hope he will get better. He’s somewhat held back by the fear that he will get injured again.Tomorrow is crucial for him. He already knows he’s playing and has trained specifically for this game. Tomorrow, I expect 45-60 real minutes.”
With an anticipated sold-out Olimpico, Mourinho stated, “Olimpico motivates us a lot. The public doesn’t care who wea re facing; they show up no matter what. Tomorrow we must win for them, for us, for football because the game must be respected. Also there will be opportunities for other players who have played less, like Belotti, who is working very well and is in good form.”
Addressing the January transfer market: “Our market will always be suitable for what we can do. I count on it; I am the coach. Me and the management are together involved in this. Not that I’m not jealous, but for example Guardiola paid 80 million for Phillips and in January sent him away and got another. We are a different reality. I would like 1-2-3-4 players; we all want to try to improve the team, to be stronger, but we have financial difficulties in doing so. Honestly, if we sign a defender in the January market, I will be already happy. Would I like more? Of course, but it’s not possible.”
On his future at Roma, Mourinho commented, “I don’t have to think about anything right now. In my head, everything is clear. The demonstrations from the public move me; they create more empathy with the fans. But they shouldn’t do it for me. It’s the players who need to feel the support. But, of course, I thank them.”
Finally, Mourinho revisited the match with Fiorentina: “We talked a lot. Did you see my post? There was no silence; we talked a lot – when I was a ball boy, and Dad was a coach, I passed on information many times.”
