Mourinho’s belief in AS Roma in the Conference League final for the first time

Coach Jose Mourinho and AS Roma approached the Conference League final REUTERS

AS Roma played quite well in their trip to England, opening the scoring first thanks to captain Lorenzo Pellegrini but then letting Ademola Lookman equalize in the Conference League semi-final first leg against Leicester City.

With the away goals rule being abolished in the European Cups this season, the winner of the semi-final second leg at the Olimpico Stadium on May 5 will be the owner of the first ticket to the final in Conference history. League.

Self-identified as “not famous for being humble”, coach Jose Mourinho expressed pride in the performance of his students: “I am not exactly famous for being humble, so I have to agree on the maturity of the players. City of AS Roma players!

Captain Pellegrini opened the scoring for AS Roma REUTERS

If we had played this game five or six months ago, we would have lost completely. But AS Roma had the guts to play the ball their way from the start, going high with Zaniolo and Tammy.

But without the ball, it’s very difficult to fight. The defenders of AS Roma were high to intercept and not let the opponent get on the ball. We conceded an unworthy goal, but the result is still acceptable.”

There is a bit of dissatisfaction when the times of the ball, especially the counter-attack, still get the ball back quite often, but in general, coach Jose Mourinho thinks that the draw in England still gives AS Roma an advantage.

Leicester City equalized 1-1 to maintain hope for the return leg REUTERS

Coach Mourinho expressed: “I’m sure AS Roma fans are happy to know that the second leg will be decided at the Olimpico Stadium. Of course, even if the stadium is full of 70,000 fans and outside, the next match will still be there. risk.

Leicester have exploited spaces very well since manager Claudio Ranieri and now they pay attention to deploying the ball a bit more from below, but overall this team still has a tendency to stay deep defensively and play fast counterattacks when away. home.

They have the right to rotate players to keep their strength. AS Roma must play with the head rather than the heart. This is our 14th game in the Conference League. If we win, we go to the final. Talking is more of a psychological issue than anything else.”

Coach Mourinho believes AS Roma will reach the Conference League final REUTERS

“AS Roma will focus on the match against Bologna this Sunday, a team that is well organized and knows how to win. Leicester City are not like us because they do not have the opportunity to participate in the European Cup next season.

AS Roma still have to focus on Series A because placing 5th or 6th in the Italian national championship is very different. AS Roma want to secure 1 slot at Europa League next season.

We need to forget the semi-final Conference League in 3 days, focused on Bologna to get the 5th place overall in Serie A”, Coach Jose Mourinho To share.