Former Roma director Gian Paolo Montali – who worked with the Giallorossi between 2009 and 2011 when Roma battled for the Scudetto with Jose Mourinho’s treble-winning Inter team – spoke about the Friedkin ownership and their decision to rely on the Special One as the club’s leading figure.
“I like how the Friedkins run the club,” Montali told Corriere dello Sport. “I like the low profile they have decided to keep and how organized everything seems to be with them in charge. Now it is clear who does what, and the responsibilities that each role entails.”
On Mourinho, Montali had nothing but high praise:
“There are good coaches who focus only on football, and then there are those who affect the style of the entire club.”
“With his method, Mourinho brought his winning mentality to the club. I would have loved working with him.”
“The Friedkins understood that it is wise not to expose yourself. As an owner or member of the management, you cannot get caught up in your feelings of passion. They have to stay cool and focused.”
“Others are supposed to show passion, although the Friedkins have shown that they truly care about the club. Roma is all about the fans and the environment.”
“The Conference League trophy is a good start. It is not the Champions League but it is an objective that was reached, and that’s how winning mentality is built.”
