The Special One was interviewed by DAZN minutes away from kick-off to Udinese-Roma.
The questions mostly addressed his decision to play both Zaniolo and Pellegrini from the start despite both players being just one yellow card away from suspension ahead of a crucial derby against Lazio scheduled for next week.
First, Mourinho said this about his return to the pitch after serving a two-match ban. “It doesn’t change much overall. The bulk of the work is done before games.”
“On an emotional level it is much more satisfying to be out there because the communication with players is much easier.”
When asked what this team is made of, he replied “Professionals. It is not easy, both physically and psychologically to go up against a team that has been preparing for a whole week.”
” We lost to Venezia and Verona after the midweek Conference League games, so this time around we decided to stay together and to stay sharp.”
Regarding Zaniolo and Pellegrini playing from the first minute:
“Now is not the time to think about the derby, we only think about this match. The type of players that Udinese have, that’s what I’m most concerned about.”
“They have a group that pressure the referees a lot with decision-making, that’s why it’s not easy. If we think of Vitesse and Lazio we have no chance today.”
