Former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca was asked to discuss the main differences between Jose Mourinho’s side and his own between 2019 and 2021. The Portuguese technician also addressed his infamous rapport with Edin Dzeko which ultimately motivated the Bosnian striker to leave the capitaly.
“Italian football is difficult and so is Serie A,” Fonseca told Corriere dello Sport when asked about Mourinho’s difficulties in finding the right consistency this season.
“There’s a lot of competition for top four,” he added.
“But, I can’t say that this team isn’t better than what I worked with. I think it’s quite evident. You just have to look at the investments the Friedkins have made on the market.”
“Overall I think my first year in the capital was positive. We finished fifth with 70 points, which the previous season would have sufficed to secure Champions League qualification. In my second year we struggled because of internal issues, we did well until February and then we got penalized by the numerous injuries.”
“I don’t want to talk about my issues with Dzeko. It’s something we overcame together and in fact he got back to scoring goals with me near the end. I wish him the best. Dzeko for me was like Ronaldo for Portugal now, he wasn’t easy to manage.”
“My regret? Changing formations. If I were to go back I wouldn’t switch to a three-man defense, and in fact I don’t do it now at Lille. The best version of what my Roma had to offer played with 4-2-3-1.”
