Roma boss Jose Mourinho met with the media this evening on the eve of his team’s Europa League group clash against Servette in Switzerland.
The Giallorossi currently sit second in Group G after they dropped their first game of the group stage earlier this month to Slavia Praha. Although level on points, the capital club’s goal inferior goal difference (+5) to the Czech side (+8) has proved costly.
“The best thing for Servette would be to focus on Sunday’s league match and play their second team tomorrow,” Mourinho began jokingly.
“Our desire is to finish top of the group and we want to score some goals tomorrow evening. I know Servette plays well at home especially in the early part of games—we’re hoping their focus is on this weekend’s league fixture (versus Young Boys) given they’re third in the group.”
“Though, tomorrow our priority will be winning, not on scoring goals. This game is already difficult enough and it could come down to the final round between us and Slavia Praha (for first in the group).”
He added, “It’ll be crucial to win tomorrow. The squad is still a bit shorthanded, especially in defence given we’re still without Smalling and Kumbulla. So we’re going to need everyone because we have two games in three days.”
“I’ll make a few changes to the team tomorrow but I’ll be seeking a good response from the guys who come on during the game who aren’t used to starting from the bench. They’ll need to enter game with the right attitude and motivation.”
Mourinho continued, “How will I handle playing Pellegrini, Dybala, and Renato Sanches? All three won’t be starting nor playing together tomorrow. Obviously Renato has to be managed carefully. Meanwhile, Paulo came back from international duty with Argentina and immediately played 88 minutes.”
“Bove will have to run a double marathon and play all 90 minutes along with someone else. Above all else we’ll need to very strong psychologically, whoever plays has to give everything they have.”
“A draw doesn’t tell me anything, if we don’t qualify tomorrow we’ll be back in Rome in two weeks. Ultimately though, we have to win.”
