Interviewed by Il Corriere dello Sport, José Mourinho’s former assistant coach Salvatore Foti fondly recalls his time in the capital.
“If we’re talking about Roma, everything: an experience that gets to you completely. When Mourinho called me to be his assistant, I was as happy as a child on Christmas morning. Tirana is forever: I have so many wonderful memories, but if I really have to choose, I’ll say one: ‘Do you know how long the pre-match meeting lasted on the day of the final? I’ll tell you: thirty seconds, maybe forty. We didn’t get to the minute. We have to take the cup and bring it to Rome,’ José said.”
Foti then continued: “I wouldn’t repeat some of the gestures, but you have to convey something to the team. We all play together, including the bench.”
“Budapest? Even now, I can’t watch a Europa League match calmly. It really hurts. We deserved that trophy. When I got home, I didn’t speak for 20 days; I had nightmares.”
“Mourinho’s dismissal, and consequently that of the entire staff, was a huge blow for everyone. We had had a magical season that year; until April we were always in the thick of the Champions League contention, then some players got injured, including Dybala and Smalling, and we decided to focus everything on the Europa League.”
Mourinho’s former assistant then recalled that group: “Something magical had been created. Aside from the inevitable fear that a final brings, there was a genuine belief that we would win. José had played so many matches like this; he handled all the organization. The hotel was close to the stadium, the family hotel was far away so we could stay focused, the magic of a truly united team. Another speech Mourinho made comes to mind that sheds light on that period.”
On the current Roma: “Gasperini is the perfect name for Roma, the facts prove it. He’s one of the best in Italy, and I’m happy for many of our players. I still hear from Mancini and Pellegrini.”
