Roma boss Jose Mourinho wasn’t too entertained with tonight’s display in Finland. However, the manager was ultimately pleased with the team’s three points and a chance to qualify to the next round in next Thursday’s home game with Ludogorets.
“I didn’t have tonight, but I’m satisfied,” he told Sky Sport after the final whistle.
“We’d heard about Ludogorets’ defeat in advance and we knew that any result would leave everything open. However, everything goes for next week. In some moments we played a good match tonight.”
“Volpato made his debut from the start, Faticanti played the first official match with his beloved Roma. Ibanez’s unavailability was another bad surprise for us. We continue to survive despite these problems.”
“Now we await Thursday night, with the Olimpico’s support on our side for a crucial match.”
“Tonight we had the moral obligation to win also for the people who saved up enough money to come and see us play here all the way from Rome,” he added.
“The freshness and unpredictability that the likes of Zalewski and Volpato bring to the team are good for the team and for myself as well.”
“It’s good for me, because I have always coached teams with champions where young players played very little. It is a pleasure to see them at Trigoria and help them grow. Everyone will get their chance eventually including Cassano and Tahirovic who will be on the bench with Verona. The important thing is not to make them lose their heads because unfortunately it is very easy for this generation.”
