Mourinho: We had to dig deep but we deserved to win

Tammy Abraham's goal was the difference at the Stadio Olimpico, as the Giallorossi took all three points despite a late red card for Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Here's what the boss thought of the contest...

Were you happy with how the side coped with this game?

“After a defeat, the following game is always a bit difficult from a mental perspective. However, the first 35 minutes were the best of our season so far. We totally controlled the game against a well-organised defensive side. But we were able to play our game, to create chances and score - even if it was just once - while controlling the transitions and preventing counter-attacks: we had control of the game.

“In the second half there was a response from the team that was behind: we lost control of the contest a little bit but we stayed focused as a team, both in the tough moments of the contest and then when we went down to 10 men. We didn’t face any real problems, the team did well.

“We knew when to close down the spaces, we knew when to kick the ball long to get it away from our goal. It was a really tough game, but we deserved the three points.”

How is Lorenzo Pellegrini feeling after his red card?

“I don’t know the legal system in Italian football, but I want to learn more about it now. Because if there is a way, we need to do everything we can to ensure he can play in the derby. I want to see if there is even one person who can say that the second yellow card of his was deserved. For that reason I don’t know if he’ll be able to play on Sunday.”

You always say there are three or four sides better than yours in the league. What are Roma lacking to reach that level?

“Time. But something more than that too, although I won’t talk about that with you. But time is definitely part of it. Right now I am focused on the improvement of the group. In terms of the organisation, I am working with great people. I am simply trying to make sure I make my contribution, based on the experience I have acquired. We need time, and then something more on top of that. But that will come with time.”

For that something extra, will you need to talk to the ownership about adding to the squad…

“I don’t mean to interrupt you, but the ownership need time too. Only crazy owners wouldn’t, owners that don’t care about the future of the club. And we have plenty of examples of owners like that already in Europe.

“Our ownership are focused on today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow too. Things need to be done in a way that ensures the club is sustainable. The fans need to not get carried away, they need to make sure they continue to back the team. Like they did today.

“That was something I really appreciated, because after the trip from Trigoria to the Olimpico before the game I was able to tell my players that the fans are still all with us, even after a defeat. That means a lot to me. Five games, 12 points: that’s really good for us. We need to keep going, while keeping calm too. Knowing our shortcomings, but also knowing how good we are.”

Did Riccardo Calafiori do better tonight?

“He played well, better than the last game - because he took more risks. Against Verona he restricted himself to a safe display and today he did much more than that: he even came up with a fantastic moment for our goal.

“He needs to have confidence in himself and in his body. For a 19-year-old he has already been through some serious injuries, but he can’t allow himself to get scared about little things - he can’t ask to be substituted at the first instance of a little pain. He needs to be more of a man.

“Today he is a 19-year-old that still has lots of room for improvement, but he’s a great young player with a big heart and he’s been a Roma fan since he was a kid. That means a lot for us.

"Today he will be really pleased with his performance and I am really pleased for him. But he still needs time, and he still needs to work hard.”