Jose Mourinho spoke to the media today ahead of Sunday’s Serie A fixture with Udinese.
The Roma manager discussed the team’s return from international duty and the challenges awaiting them in their busy December and January schedule.
“I don’t define the degree of difficulty of a game based on the opponent’s position in the table,” Mourinho told reporters. “Tomorrow is going to be very difficult.”
“Udinese have a very good team despite the fact they like to sell a lot of their best players in the summer.”
“Injuries? We have some players who have a spotless track record such as Cristante, Mancini and Bove. They are always available. Then we have four or five players who are a more difficult group.”
“Smalling? He’s injured, although he’s also hesitant. He doesn’t have the same tolerance for pain as others. It’s a tough injury and we must be patient with him because he is so important for us. I don’t expect him to be back within the next two weeks.”
“The ownership? It’s easier for me to have empathy and connection to the team because I see them everyday. The owners are not always there, but I am paid not to create any problems and they must trust in my work.”
“I spoke to the Friedkins yesterday, but not about my contract. That is not a topic we discussed.”
“From now on we must give back more to the fans. The players know it, we must give more without any limits. But we never lacked respect to the fans.”
“We lacked the determination and enjoyment when playing away from home. That is something I always want my teams to have in terms of personality. They boys must improve greatly in regards to this.”
“Sanches? He will not be called up tomorrow. I want him to work more consistently, and hope to have him available on Thursday or with Sassuolo.”
