
Foti praises Mourinho's legacy and backs Gasperini as perfect fit for Roma
Salvatore Foti, former assistant to José Mourinho during his time at Roma, reflected on his experiences with the club in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. Foti, now a free agent after his spell at Sampdoria, expressed deep affection for his years at Roma, describing his appointment as Mourinho's vice as a moment when he felt "happy as a child on Christmas morning." He recalled the 2022 Europa Conference League final in Tirana with vivid detail, revealing that Mourinho's pre-match team talk lasted only thirty to forty seconds, with the manager simply stating: "I don't need to tell you anything, we just have to take the cup and bring it to Rome. There was something magical created." Foti acknowledged that the subsequent elimination from the Europa League in Budapest the following year still pains him, saying he couldn't watch Europa League matches with peace of mind and experienced nightmares for weeks afterward. Regarding Gian Piero Gasperini's appointment as current head coach, Foti endorsed the choice, saying "Of course he is. The facts prove it. He is one of the best in Italy and I am happy for many of our boys." He mentioned maintaining contact with current Roma players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini, describing Pellegrini as a special person. Foti also addressed Mourinho's dismissal in January 2024, noting that the sacking of the manager and his entire staff was difficult for everyone involved.


