The Europa League debut arrives in Moldova, and the Giallorossi coach returns to taunt: “Suspended? Maybe I won’t be able to speak with the players, but I will be able to celebrate the goals.”
Some football pains, seem like can never fade away. That’s why José Mourinho begins his adventure in the Europa League by recalling the last chapter, the defeat against Sevilla. The aftermath of that match cost him a four-match suspension. Yet, the spirit appears to be the same as in May.
“It’s a different season, but I will continue to say – and I will do so until the last day of my career and even beyond – We didn’t lose the final in Budapest. I will say it every time I talk about that match.”
Having improved the roster this summer, it’s evident that Roma‘s ambitions in the Europa League are really high. “We start from scratch. The goal is to qualify for the next phase. Last year, we began with a defeat that created difficulties in our qualification, forcing us to play a playoff against a Champions League team, which is not easy for a team like ours with many commitments during the season.”
“Winning the group would be important. We have respect for Sheriff. Two years ago, we lost 6-1 to Bodo in a match we should have won, and we lost last year to Ludogorets in the first game of the group.”
“We know that playing in Europe is never easy, especially away from home. We won’t just face the opponent, we will face also the crowd, with a special motivation for a team whose goal is to qualify for the next phase. We are also playing against history because they did incredible things in the Champions League two to three years ago.”
The absence of the Portuguese coach from the bench will be an additional challenge. “I won’t be close to the team tomorrow during the game, and I can’t communicate with them, but I can certainly celebrate the goals.”
