Roma head coach Jose Mourinho has stated that he is not determined to become a club legend after taking them to the finals of a European club competition for the first time in their history.
On Thursday night, Jose Mourinho knocked Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 on aggregate after beating the German side 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final and forcing them to a goalless draw in the first leg. . That was enough to send Roma into their first Europa League final.
The 60-year-old Portuguese tactician won Europe’s second-tier club competition when he was manager of Manchester United in 2017 and helped Roma win the Europa Conference League in 2022.
After leading Roma to Thursday’s Europa League final, Mourinho expressed his gratitude to Roma fans for their great support throughout the Europa League campaign. He also asked for their continued support as his side face Salernitana at home on Monday as they resume their Serie A campaign.
“My concern is not to mark my place in the history of Roma,” Mourinho told reporters on Thursday.
“It helps these kids (players) grow, achieve important things. It also helps Roma supporters who have given me so much since day one. It was a huge pleasure to reach another final. “The boys are giving everything, this match is the result of our work, experience, tactical wisdom and ability to stay in the game. It’s an incredible team.
The Portuguese added: “I don’t know if I could ask for more from the fans, but these lads deserve something special on Monday as we leave Trigoria. (practicing field)”.
On the other hand, Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini said that Mourinho should be given sole credit for the team’s victory.
“He is different, he makes you realize the importance of the game. We come here and everyone knows what they have to do,” the captain said. “We learn, we organize ourselves, we watch videos. Especially in Europe we see what the coach gives us. Mourinho is the creator of this character of ours.
Roma are currently sixth in the Serie A standings with 59 points, six points behind third-placed Lazio and two points behind fourth-placed AC Milan as the battle for Champions League spots continues ahead of the season. next prize.