Mourinho: “A great win against a Champions League side”

Here’s what coach Jose Mourinho had to say about this great Giallorossi win!

Roma deserved to qualify. Is this the best we’ve seen from them this season?

“It was great to see us get a big result, but it was also a complete performance at all levels. Once again, I really liked everything I saw: the team, the understanding, the togetherness.

“I must say that my staff did a fantastic job. I always say that we as coaches are only the tip of the iceberg of the work that a lot of people do behind the scenes. My analysts have done a very, very comprehensive job, allowing Salvatore Foti and me to prepare the team in the best way possible.

“I also wanted to mention Stephan El Shaarawy because he was someone I had to leave out. I didn’t have a Plan B for Stephan to play from the beginning because there was no Tammy Abraham as he only has a few minutes in him. There was no Ola Solbakken either. I didn’t have a Plan B. El Shaarawy was someone I could bring on for 20 or 30 minutes if necessary to change the structure, dynamic and intensity of play. I was sorry because he is playing really well. He’s been at such a high level in the league this last month. I was sorry for him, but the situation also shows how things work between us. I explained it to him and he accepted it. I’m really happy to see this kind of team spirit. We got a great win against a Champions League side, a team full of quality.”

There are many great stories to tell, both for Roma and Italian football in general. When did you realise that Leonardo Spinazzola was getting back to his best?

“If I’m not mistaken, Fiorentina, Juventus, us and Lazio are all through...”

No, I was referring to Spinazzola.

“Yes, but let me say that four Italian teams have qualified, with Inter, Milan and Napoli ahead in their knockout games. The four of us have both feet in the Round of 16, Napoli a foot and a half, and Inter and Milan one foot, just needing the second, so it’s good.

“Spinazzola was very good in the last game and he had a fantastic match again today. However, it’s easier to do well individually when the team are playing well.

“Today, it was only the result that caused me concern, but the match was relaxed. Zero risks. We dominated. Even when they had the ball, in the final 15-20 minutes, we were calmly in control. Everyone understood the situation.

“Gini Wijnaldum is coming back. When he comes on the pitch, you can see the quality, level of experience and feel of the game changes.”

And then a word on Belotti’s contribution. He left the pitch with the whole stadium applauding him.

“It was a well-deserved applause. There are strikers who do nothing if they don’t score. Even when he doesn’t score, this lad works so hard for the team. He is an incredible worker. Beyond getting the goal, he put in a brilliant performance. Not only am I pleased, but all of us are extremely happy about the way the crowd recognised Il Gallo’s hard work.”