Gasperini praises Mourinho's results and spending power

José Mourinho spoke to Sky Sport on the eve of Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid, reflecting on his return to the Stadio Olimpico as an opposing coach. Mourinho said he would prefer to arrive as an adversary, with Roma fans supporting their own team and him supporting Real Madrid during the 90 minutes, but acknowledged there is no animosity between them. "If before the match the people want to give me a special greeting, I would also like to greet the Roma fans," he said. Mourinho noted there was no farewell when he left Roma, describing it as part of football's nature. "What can we do? It's football, this is an opportunity to feel the love of the people. I'll try to control myself, but maybe I won't be able to. In the end, in those ninety minutes, everyone wants to win," he added. When asked if he envies Gasperini's transfer market activity, Mourinho replied: "No, I don't envy anyone. I respect. An important coach in Italian football who does important work." On Roma's tactical approach, Mourinho said: "We are prepared for the basic principles with which Roma have played all their matches. They can also do something different. They know that those in white shirts are not an easy team; we are also prepared to be able to react to something different." Regarding Real Madrid's Vinícius, Mourinho reflected: "When I said the other day, I don't know if you heard, that it hurt my heart to see him in this situation, it's because every day he is a happy boy who works hard but hasn't found the joy of being decisive."

José Mourinho will face AS Roma for the first time since his sacking in January 2024 when Real Madrid visit the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday 14 October at 21:00 for the second matchday of the Champions League league phase. Mourinho, who led Roma to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022 and a Europa League final defeat in Budapest the following year, acknowledged the emotional weight of his return. "For ninety minutes we are opponents, but if they want to give me a special greeting I would also like to embrace the Roma fans," he said at his pre-match press conference. "Before the match it won't be normal, even arriving at the airport or at the stadium, in this press conference, walking down the corridor hasn't been normal. Never in the ninety minutes will it be." Mourinho framed Roma as one of Serie A's strongest teams alongside Inter Milan, whom Real Madrid beat in their opening Champions League fixture. "They are motivated to play Champions League at the Olimpico, in front of a crowd that does not just come to watch the match but to play," he explained. He stressed his ability to separate emotion from competition: "I will give everything. Before and after perhaps it will touch my heart, but during the match there is no room for doubt. The Roma fans will want to win and Real Madrid will want to win. In those moments you have to forget about emotions." Mourinho also responded to questions about his affection for Roma's supporters, saying he had won their trust by remaining himself and prioritizing the interests of the team and players above his own. "Roma fans are special; I have worked at many clubs but Roma fans are without doubt very special," he added. Real Madrid's sporting philosophy drew comparison when asked about Gian Piero Gasperini. Mourinho said: "If I manage to forget which stadium I am in, who I am playing against, and I am trying to prepare this match that way and I will do it during the game, I think it can be a contest like any other." He addressed squad rotation at right-back, noting he had felt the need to change position for Fede Valverde against Villarreal "without wasting a substitution," because a player of Valverde's quality could operate at multiple positions. On Vinícius Júnior's early-season form, Mourinho said: "It hurt my heart to see Vini in this situation. Every day he is happy, works hard, but so far he has not yet found the joy of being decisive this year. Let's see if in the Champions League, since he is suspended in the league, he can return to being the true Vini." Aurélien Tchouaméni told the press Real Madrid had started the Champions League well by beating Inter and were determined to continue collecting points. "I like how Roma play very much and I know that tomorrow's match will be difficult, also because we will play away from home," he said. "I think we have enough quality to win the match and that is what we will try to do." Tchouaméni declined to discuss contentious decisions in Real Madrid's weekend match against Villarreal, stating: "We are very frustrated because of these decisions, but the most important thing was winning that match. We think about moving forward."

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has praised José Mourinho's ability to secure investment for his clubs ahead of tomorrow's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, where Mourinho currently manages. Gasperini said Mourinho "is excellent at getting his clubs to spend a lot. He deserves recognition from people" for his work in that regard. The comments came on the eve of Roma's European match against the Spanish side.