Mourinho speaks ahead of FeyenoordRoma

Roma boss Jose Mourinho spoke ahead of tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Feyenoord.

The Special One previewed the tense match-up and reflected on the rivalry from last year’s Conference League final.

First, Mourinho was asked about Smalling nearing an agreement for a new deal with Roma.

“If it’s true that there is an agreement in place then it will be great for Chris and for Roma,” said the Special One. “It will be great for him because he is happy, because he has found the level and consistency that he lacked and for Roma because he’s a fantastic player.”

“It’s a perfect marriage, but it has nothing to do with me or my future. I am Mourinho, Chris is Chris. They are two separate matters.”

“Feyenoord? Tomorrow is a difficult game to explain. They are the strongest team in the league, the numbers are objective, they will be champions in a few weeks. We are not the strongest in Italy, nor in the Europa League, even if we can win it. Let’s play with what we have at our disposal: balance.”

“Tomorrow I’ll send to the pitch those that look the sharpest. Then we’ll change throughout the game based on how the players look and feel.”

“Pellegrini? He hasn’t lost anything in my eyes, he was our captain and he still is, he was important and continues to be.”

“Against Torino he was on the bench because of load management. For me, nothing has changed and he is still a key player.”

“I’m not able to think about the time we faced Feyenoord in Tirana. For you and for them it’s a permanent thing, it’s an issue, something you can’t get rid of, but for me it means only one thing: that every time I arrive at Trigoria I see the Conference League trophy sitting there, and for me it ends there.”

“We are a humble team, with a humble coach, who analyzes the opponents’ matches in detail and tries to reduce the unpredictability of football and we do it humbly. Feyenoord are an excellent team, you can’t find many weaknesses in their game.”

“Abraham and Belotti are fine, they are both happy because they have recently become dads. Maybe tomorrow they won’t play but they will still be happy and I’m happy to see them like this.”