Mourinho thanks 'special' fans despite frustrating night

Roma had more than 40 shots against Venezia on Saturday evening - yet were still held to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.

Nevertheless, the 63,000 fans in attendance applauded the team as they proceeded on a lap of honour following the final whistle - encouraging them ahead of the May 25 Europa Conference League final in Tirana.

Here is what Jose Mourinho told TV broadcasters after the match...

Despite a negative result, the fans applauded you after the match: is something building here?

“It was us who wanted to thank the fans. In the end, this is one more example of the family we are. But the objective was to thank them. And there is one way you can always do that: by giving everything you have, ever time. Today we did that too. In the end, if we can give them a trophy and win them a competition, I will say we deserve it but they really deserve it … they deserve it more than anyone.

“This [Mourinho gestures to the fans] perhaps happens when Milan or Inter win the league, but I think this passion from the fans here is something else. Because when you win, the family is always there around you. But when you don’t win, it can be a different story. This club has always been – something I didn’t realise, but now I do – a very special club, with very special people.

“We gave everything tonight, we tried to win and win well. Obviously when you are playing against a side that are down to 10 men for a long time you are going to dominate and you are going to create chances. But we did not manage to make it 2-1.

“A hug to Venezia, to their players, staff and fans – hoping that they are back in Serie A the season after next.”

Great teams become great by taking care of the details. Roma seemed to start with a defensive slip – is that something you can still work on?

“Usually we are a focused side defensively, who don’t give much away – especially in the last three months. But these things happen. But after that we responded in a way that merited winning the game. Obviously, as I’ve said, you have more chances against a side down to 10 men … but sometimes it is not so easy because they stick everyone behind the ball and in front of their goal.

“But, it’s clear we have a few issues as a team right now. We are playing individuals at the limit of risk – Pellegrini, Cristante, Tammy, Smalling and Ibanez. We are at the limit of risk with them. But it is a risk we need to keep taking for another game, and then think about the final.”

Looking ahead to Tirana, how is Nicolo Zaniolo doing? He had a rest tonight…

“No, no, no-one was rested. All of those who weren’t involved tonight – Mkhitaryan, Zaniolo, Felix – are injured and couldn’t play.”

What are your thoughts on Tirana?

“Let’s see. First of all we need to think about Torino and then we will worry about next Wednesday.”