Category: Roma

‘It’s not good’ Mourinho responds to Matic transfer links

May 11, 2022

José Mourinho says Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic is a ‘fantastic player’ but refuses to speculate on his possible move to Roma.

Matic sees his contract at Old Trafford expire in June 2023 and has emerged as one of the targets for the Giallorossi in the summer.

Mourinho has been looking for a new central midfielder since last year and his needs were partially met when the club loaned Sergio Oliveira from Porto in January.

Matic has already played twice under Mourinho, first at Chelsea and then at Manchester United. The Serbia international has featured in 159 games under the Special One, more than with any other coach.

Mourinho reveals truth about his Roma future and rapport with Mkhitaryan

“I never like to speak about players, I don’t think it’s good for me, the club, the players,” Mourinho told Sky Sports News UK.

“Everybody knows my relationship with Nemanja, he’s one of the guys with my trust. We won together, we fought together in United too.

“He’s a fantastic player but that’s the kind of answer that is not good for me or for the player.”

During his interview with the British broadcasters, Mourinho also touched on his future at Roma and his rapport with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling. Mourinho signed a three-year deal at Roma last year and has conquered the first European Final for the club in 31 years.

‘It’s not good’ Mourinho responds to Matic transfer links

May 11, 2022

José Mourinho says Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic is a ‘fantastic player’ but refuses to speculate on his possible move to Roma.

Matic sees his contract at Old Trafford expire in June 2023 and has emerged as one of the targets for the Giallorossi in the summer.

Mourinho has been looking for a new central midfielder since last year and his needs were partially met when the club loaned Sergio Oliveira from Porto in January.

Matic has already played twice under Mourinho, first at Chelsea and then at Manchester United. The Serbia international has featured in 159 games under the Special One, more than with any other coach.

Mourinho reveals truth about his Roma future and rapport with Mkhitaryan

“I never like to speak about players, I don’t think it’s good for me, the club, the players,” Mourinho told Sky Sports News UK.

“Everybody knows my relationship with Nemanja, he’s one of the guys with my trust. We won together, we fought together in United too.

“He’s a fantastic player but that’s the kind of answer that is not good for me or for the player.”

During his interview with the British broadcasters, Mourinho also touched on his future at Roma and his rapport with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling. Mourinho signed a three-year deal at Roma last year and has conquered the first European Final for the club in 31 years.

Mourinho reveals truth about his Roma future and rapport with Mkhitaryan

May 11, 2022

José Mourinho ensures that he will remain at Roma in 2022-23 and explains how his rapport with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling has evolved at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Portuguese tactician has reached the first European Final for Roma in 31 years and the Conference League could become the first trophy for the Giallorossi since 2008.

Mourinho released a long interview with Sky Sports UK and the second part was aired today. The Special One discussed his rapport with  Mkhitaryan and Smalling, who had already played under him at Manchester United.

“We [Mkhitaryan] won together three titles [Community Shield, League Cup, Europa League] at Man United, unfortunately the last three titles of Man United. I say ‘unfortunately’ because, yes, I like the club very, very much and I wish the club the best,” said Mourinho.

“We won three titles together so everything went well. In the second season, we were together was a little bit different. The thing that makes me really happy was because in the beginning, people try to go on a negative and say, ‘Miki with Jose has no chance, Jose is the kind of guy when things go wrong never go well again’, it was proven exactly the opposite. We were very mature, honest with each other at that time even with Mino (Raiola), rest in peace Mino, the discussion was very good.

All the Mourinho and Roma complaints about referees and VAR

“I try always to be very honest with the players. I saw my project in Rome needing a player like Miki, I also understand the importance of Miki in the group and he’s having an amazing season.

“He’s helping us cope with all the problems that we face as a small squad. Miki has been playing everywhere, a winger, as a 10, then we had injuries and Covid situations and he became a central midfielder which he’s never been in his life.

“I am so happy with Miki and I’m happy with people understanding with me not everything is black or white. It’s possible that a player comes with a different relationship than it was in the past.”

Both Smalling and Mkhitaryan were not on good terms with the Special One at Old Trafford, but their rapport has evolved in Rome where the former Red Devils are among the standout performers.

“With Chris, it’s about finding a balance on his body that allows him to be playing regularly,” said Mourinho.

“He’s experienced, his know-how and his qualities as a defender as there. Also tactically in relation to the system the team plays and the defensive organisation.

“Chris is doing very well this season, playing at a level that makes me really happy about him because he is a fantastic player. He’s recognised in Italy as ‘Smalldini’, half Smalling, half (Paolo) Maldini. He’s doing amazing for us.”

Roma announced Mourinho’s appointment one year ago. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss has signed a three-year deal at the Stadio Olimpico and the target for 2022-23 is clear already.

“We want to try and get into Champions League but when you look a the level of investment at Inter, Milan and Juventus, you realise three of these spots should be closed. There is a fourth spot, last season it was Atalanta, this season it’s Napoli, can we get there next season? I think we can.

“In this second part of the season, after the January market, we did small [changes] enough to improve the squad. I’m not as lucky as some coaches who can buy what they want. By doing things with a criteria we can improve things. Next season after this year of work and evolution at every level I think we have a chance and that’s the next target for next season.”

Mourinho is not thinking about leaving Rome after just one season and although the club have not offered him a new deal, he ensures that he will remain in charge of the team next season.

“In this moment, everything is very calm because I have two more years of contract. The club didn’t approach me to try to extend so they don’t put me in a situation of accept or don’t accept. Everything is calm, stable and that is the way it has to be.

“I have to finish the season as best we can and 100 per cent start next season because I am not looking for a change, my people know that. I couldn’t leave the club in my second season, I couldn’t do that to the club. So next season I am here.”

Mourinho reveals truth about his Roma future and rapport with Mkhitaryan

May 11, 2022

José Mourinho ensures that he will remain at Roma in 2022-23 and explains how his rapport with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Chris Smalling has evolved at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Portuguese tactician has reached the first European Final for Roma in 31 years and the Conference League could become the first trophy for the Giallorossi since 2008.

Mourinho released a long interview with Sky Sports UK and the second part was aired today. The Special One discussed his rapport with  Mkhitaryan and Smalling, who had already played under him at Manchester United.

“We [Mkhitaryan] won together three titles [Community Shield, League Cup, Europa League] at Man United, unfortunately the last three titles of Man United. I say ‘unfortunately’ because, yes, I like the club very, very much and I wish the club the best,” said Mourinho.

“We won three titles together so everything went well. In the second season, we were together was a little bit different. The thing that makes me really happy was because in the beginning, people try to go on a negative and say, ‘Miki with Jose has no chance, Jose is the kind of guy when things go wrong never go well again’, it was proven exactly the opposite. We were very mature, honest with each other at that time even with Mino (Raiola), rest in peace Mino, the discussion was very good.

All the Mourinho and Roma complaints about referees and VAR

“I try always to be very honest with the players. I saw my project in Rome needing a player like Miki, I also understand the importance of Miki in the group and he’s having an amazing season.

“He’s helping us cope with all the problems that we face as a small squad. Miki has been playing everywhere, a winger, as a 10, then we had injuries and Covid situations and he became a central midfielder which he’s never been in his life.

“I am so happy with Miki and I’m happy with people understanding with me not everything is black or white. It’s possible that a player comes with a different relationship than it was in the past.”

Both Smalling and Mkhitaryan were not on good terms with the Special One at Old Trafford, but their rapport has evolved in Rome where the former Red Devils are among the standout performers.

“With Chris, it’s about finding a balance on his body that allows him to be playing regularly,” said Mourinho.

“He’s experienced, his know-how and his qualities as a defender as there. Also tactically in relation to the system the team plays and the defensive organisation.

“Chris is doing very well this season, playing at a level that makes me really happy about him because he is a fantastic player. He’s recognised in Italy as ‘Smalldini’, half Smalling, half (Paolo) Maldini. He’s doing amazing for us.”

Roma announced Mourinho’s appointment one year ago. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss has signed a three-year deal at the Stadio Olimpico and the target for 2022-23 is clear already.

“We want to try and get into Champions League but when you look a the level of investment at Inter, Milan and Juventus, you realise three of these spots should be closed. There is a fourth spot, last season it was Atalanta, this season it’s Napoli, can we get there next season? I think we can.

“In this second part of the season, after the January market, we did small [changes] enough to improve the squad. I’m not as lucky as some coaches who can buy what they want. By doing things with a criteria we can improve things. Next season after this year of work and evolution at every level I think we have a chance and that’s the next target for next season.”

Mourinho is not thinking about leaving Rome after just one season and although the club have not offered him a new deal, he ensures that he will remain in charge of the team next season.

“In this moment, everything is very calm because I have two more years of contract. The club didn’t approach me to try to extend so they don’t put me in a situation of accept or don’t accept. Everything is calm, stable and that is the way it has to be.

“I have to finish the season as best we can and 100 per cent start next season because I am not looking for a change, my people know that. I couldn’t leave the club in my second season, I couldn’t do that to the club. So next season I am here.”

Totti: ‘How Roma will make Mourinho happy’

May 11, 2022

Roma legend Francesco Totti confirms he will go to Tirana to watch the Conference League Final between Roma and Feyenoord and says the Giallorossi will make José Mourinho happy with new signings over the summer.

The Serie A side have qualified for their first European Final in 31 years and could win their first trophy since 2008. Francesco Totti was part of the team that lifted the Coppa Italia under Luciano Spalletti more than ten years ago and will follow Mourinho’s team in Tirana on May 25.

“We haven’t played a Final for a long time and it’s vital to lift a trophy. We’ll go to Tirana with a great desire, I’ll be there as well,” he told reporters at an event before tonight’s Coppa Italia Final.

The 2006 Italy World Cup winner added that he’d rate Roma’s season 5.5 so far.

All the Mourinho and Roma complaints about referees and VAR

The Giallorossi, especially their coach Mourinho, have complained because of a controversial penalty kick awarded to Fiorentina on Monday night.

“What happened in Florence is one of the many episodes not favourable to Roma. If VAR doesn’t help referees, it becomes more complicated,” said Totti.

“Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world and I am sure the club will do everything to make him happy by signing the right players for him. Roma must improve every year, with or without a director.”

The last Totti line refers to the possibility of returning to the club with an operative role, but for now, both Roma and the former striker have been elusive about the matter.

epa05942185 (FILE) Roma's Francesco Totti celebrates after scoring the 3-0 lead from the penalty spot during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and AC Chievo Verona at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 18 October 2014 (reissued 03 May 2017). Italian Serie A side AS Roma confirmed on 03 May 2017 that Roma legend Francesco Totti will retire at the end of the season. The 40-year-old scored 250 goals in 616 appearances for the Giallorossi since 1993 and won the FIFA World Cup in 2006. EPA/ETTORE FERRARI

Serie A Liveblog: Fiorentina vs. Roma

May 9, 2022

Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from this evening’s Serie A game between Fiorentina and Roma, a head-to-head for European qualification.

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Giallorossi need a win to stay level with Lazio in fifth place, while the Viola would catch Roma and Atalanta on 59 points with a victory.

Jose Mourinho’s men are stretched a little thin, as they are coming off the Conference League semi-final with Leicester City and preparing for the May 25 Final against Feyenoord.

If Roma win the Conference League, they’ll go directly into the Europa League next season.

Curiously, if Roma win the Conference League and finish eighth or below, then they would go into the Europa League with the sides in fifth and sixth, plus seventh heads to the Conference League play-offs.

If Roma don’t win the trophy, then fifth and sixth go into the Europa League, seventh into the Conference League play-offs.

  • All
  • Favourites 0

Mourinho: ‘Roma career is moving so fast’

May 9, 2022

Jose Mourinho admits the eight months of his Roma reign have flown by ahead of tonight’s trip to Fiorentina. ‘I feel happy, relaxed and not praying to reach the end of the season.’

It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.

Roma beat Fiorentina 3-1 when these sides met in August, which was also Mourinho’s debut at the Stadio Olimpico.

“It feels like it’s all going so quickly, that means you feel happy, relaxed, without fatigue and not praying to reach the end of the season,” Mourinho told DAZN.

“We created a sense of family, then slowly tactically formed a system where the players are more comfortable and we can get the best out of their characteristics.”

There are three points separating these sides going into the Stadio Franchi, with the Giallorossi needing a win to keep up with Lazio in fifth and the Viola able to catch Roma with a victory tonight.

Roma will play in the Conference League Final against Feyenoord on May 25. If they don’t win the trophy, then fifth and sixth from Serie A go into the Europa League, seventh into the Conference League play-offs.

“It is a very difficult league, much tougher than last season, for example Fiorentina are a world away from the team they were last year.

“There are three games to go, if we can get a European place locked down before we play the Conference League Final, that would be important.”

Italiano ‘studied’ Roma against Leicester City

May 9, 2022

Vincenzo Italiano studied Roma closely during their Conference League victory over Leicester City and hopes he ‘spotted something interesting’ to help Fiorentina win tonight.

It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.

Lucas Torreira is only fit for the bench, with Gaetano Castrovilli out for the rest of the season.

Italiano was in the stands of the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening to watch Roma’s 1-0 Europa Conference League win over Leicester City.

That victory proved enough to book their spot in the Final against Feyenoord, winning 2-1 on aggregate.

“I hope that I got some good pointers and spotted something interesting so we can trouble a strong, united and solid team,” Italiano told DAZN.

“They are full of enthusiasm at the moment, we want to make up for lost ground too and I expect to see a very entertaining game of football.”

Serie A line-ups: Fiorentina vs. Roma

May 9, 2022

Roma and Fiorentina face off for European places with plenty of attacking talent from Arthur Cabral, Tammy Abraham, Jonathan Ikone and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.

Serie A Liveblog: Fiorentina vs. Roma

The Viola are three points behind the Giallorossi going into this game, while Rome need a win to stay level with Lazio in fifth.

Fresh from the Conference League semi-final with Leicester on Thursday evening, Jose Mourinho is still missing injured Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

He again keeps squad rotation to an absolute minimum, but makes some adjustments with a packed midfield, moving Lorenzo Pellegrini to the Nicolò Zaniolo role supporting Abraham.

Fiorentina choose Arthur Cabral to lead the trident attack with Nico Gonzalez and Ikone, while Lucas Torreira is not 100 per cent fit.

Gaetano Castrovilli is out for the rest of the season.

When these sides met in the opening weekend, Roma emerged 3-1 winners at the Stadio Olimpico after Viola goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski was sent off just 17 minutes in.

Nicolò Zaniolo also saw red for two bookable offences in the fiery match.

Fiorentina: Terracciano; Venuti, Milenkovic, Igor, Biraghi; Bonaventura, Amrabat, Duncan; Nico Gonzalez, Cabral, Ikone

Roma: Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Veretout, Sergio Oliveira, Cristante, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Abraham

Abraham works to break own Chelsea record and reach English Serie A milestone

May 9, 2022

Tammy Abraham has had an incredible debut season with Roma under Jose Mourinho and now he’s only a step away from breaking an English Serie A record.

The 24-year-old English forward joined the Giallorossi from the Blues in a deal worth around €40m last summer and he’s immediately justified that fee, shining in the Italian capital. Abraham has scored 25 goals across all competitions this season for Roma and he’s showing no signs of slowing down as the season draws to a close.

As highlighted by Corriere dello Sport, Abraham is only one goal away from becoming the top scoring Englishman in a single Serie A season. The record is currently held by Gerry Hitchens, who scored 16 goals in the 1961-62 season with Inter.

Exactly 60 years later, the former Chelsea striker could break that record with Roma. He’s also incredibly close to becoming the most prolific Roma debutant, so he’ll be desperate to score in tonight’s clash against Fiorentina.