Roma head coach Jose Mourinho addressed the media on the eve of the Giallorossi’s second matchday with Hellas Verona.
Earlier this afternoon, the Special One attended his second press conference of the new season and addressed various hot topics.
Right off the bat, Mourinho was asked about Roma’s latest signing of Sardar Azmoun from Bayer Leverkusen.
“We are in a difficult situation in which we cannot afford the first choice striker of our preference,” said the Portuguese technician.
“Azmoun was proposed to me by Tiago Pinto as one of my strikers for this season. If he’s fit, he can help us,” said Mourinho.
“Pinto told me that in addition to Azmoun another attacker will join us. This makes me happy, especially if the player in question will be of quality. I remain calm and wait for updates,” he added.
“Tomorrow 3,000 fans who will come with us to Verona and I hope they will help us. At the Olimpico on Sunday few fans actually cheered to help us, perhaps because of the heat.”
“We have worked well over the last week. We will have Dybala and Pellegrini back with us. Although Renato Sanches is out. He had a small physical problem. I expect him to be out until the break. It’s better not to rush him.”
“I think people need to understand that we as a club must adapt to very specific financial conditions. It is not easy,” Mourinho said of Roma’s transfer business. “Perhaps you will be surprised to see me this calm, but that’s the way it is.”
“Outgoing transfers? There is always the risk of Saudi Arabia looming around the corner,” he added. “The team can improve or worsen, we’ll see. There’s still some days left. The risk is there. Let’s see, we only have 4 central defenders at this moment in time.”
“I keep motivating all the players. Even if they barely play, they’re important. Their time will come. Solbakken didn’t play the last one, he’ll be on the bench next time. There will come a time when everyone is needed.”
“I like our midfield this year,” said the Portuguese technician. “We have excellent solutions there. Two players for each position, and different combinations. It also depends on the characteristics of the forwards we will have this season.”
