Mourinho: "Servette deserve respect"

Read what the boss had to say...

Three matches in 7 days. Is attempting to mitigate player fatigue the most pressing aspect for Roma to take into account over the course of these games? 

“We can’t hide from this situation. It's our reality and a real problem for all teams playing in Europe, especially those with less squad depth. We’re aware that this is a talking point in many different countries. 

“Injuries, intensity and quality of play are all affected. People realise this. Yet we can’t get away from this situation. 

“Obviously there will be some rotations. I already mentioned after the Frosinone game that Paulo [Dybala] would be on the bench. Three or four others will join him in sitting out of the starting eleven. We want to win the game and if we’re to do so we’ll need to put out a team capable of achieving this. So there won’t be wholesale changes, rather rotations here and there.” 

Are you seeing any progress from your players after the victory against Frosinone, particularly from those who needed to up their games? Will your touchline ban for tomorrow’s match have much bearing on matters?

“I have faith in my players and coaching staff. My absence from the dugout may have an impact on proceedings, but only a small one, if that. It also depends on how the match pans out. We’ve won and lost games with me watching on from the stands. I don't think it makes much difference.

“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, had another coach masterminded our wins over Frosinone and Empoli they would’ve been viewed as being out of this world. However our 7-0 win over Empoli was met with little impact.

“After that match I said that a win doesn’t make us world-beaters, just as a defeat doesn’t turn us into a bad team. This is my approach whether we win or lose.

“Following our victory over Frosinone we headed into training the next day to polish everything we did well and work on everything we have to improve at. This sums up our approach – even though we won we recognised that not everything was perfect. Both aspects were dealt with. Obviously, it's easier to deal with positive things, because it improves your self-esteem and confidence.

“When you work on where you went wrong and what you need to do better you have to do so in a balanced way. It can’t be avoided - you can't brush mistakes under the carpet. Yesterday we had a post-Frosinone training session, and today we started gearing up for Servette, working out our plan of action. When you left our defensive and attacking approaches were tackled. We avoided pushing the players too much so that they’d be fresh for Servette. This is how things are for us.”

Is Roma’s aim to make the Europa League final, despite all of the top teams in the competition?

“It's too early to discuss such matters. Our first objective is to qualify and our second objective is to top the group. Last year we made it out of the group but as we didn’t finish first we were forced into a two-game playoff against an opponent who’d dropped down from the Champions League (Salzburg, ed.). We have to do everything we can to seal automatic qualification.

“In terms of how far we can go, it’s too soon to say. Let’s take things step by step and then we'll see. There are already fantastic teams in the Europa League and dangerous sides from the Champions League join the competition next year as well. It’s obviously going to be a real challenge. However that was the case last season and we made it to the final. Like I said, one game at a time. We’re on three points right now. Our next aim is to qualify, ideally in first place. Then when February comes around we’ll see how things pan out.”

Is there a chance that [Edoardo] Bove starts tomorrow’s game? Would his style of play bring balance to Roma?

“First of all, let me brag a little. When you talk about Bove, let’s just remember who brought him this far. You don’t always have to talk negatively about me – positivity is also an option. When I arrived here Bove was about to go on loan to a Serie C team. So give me some credit, at least.

“Bove will play again tomorrow. He’s in good shape and his fitness record is flawless. The lad works so hard even when he’s on the bench or in the stands. This is a rare quality in modern football – nowadays kids don’t always have the mental strength to push on regardless. In this respect he’s amazing.

“Every minute he plays is a chance for him to develop, whether he performs well or not. He’s really embracing his game time.

“He’ll feature against Servette. His contributions to Roma are always positive. In the second half against Frosinone he had more space, played with freedom, and even had a sniff at goal. His terrible coach is very proud of having given him the chance to develop. In the space of two years he’s gone from being on the verge of playing in Serie C to becoming a big player for Roma and Italian football.”

How much more does [Leandro] Paredes offer Roma in build-up play compared to [Nemanja] Matic, bearing in mind they’re obviously different players? Does his perception of the game and certain scenarios differ much from the Serb? How much does his out-of-possession game need working on? Leandro is arguably a less dynamic player and as a result Roma find it harder when the opponent have the ball, especially during transitions.

"I agree with everything you say. As a player his development has reached its conclusion. It’s not like he’s a youngster who’s still at the learning stage. Leandro is the same player who I’ve always admired for his attacking qualities. Since I’ve worked with him I’ve appreciated what he can do on the ball even more. His addition to the Roma team means that we see more of the ball than the opposition. That’s the great thing about him. He links the defence and attack really well. He brings us peace of mind when we’re in possession and thrives in this role.

“However when he’s out of possession he reflects Roma as a while. Generally speaking we’re not the paciest team out there and we’re not particularly reactive in transitions – it’s not just Leandro. As a team we seek balance in order to mitigate such issues. In this sense I enjoyed the way we managed our last match. Their only penetration came from direct play to their centre forward, when we allowed their player in possession the space to pass. This wasn’t an issue with our midfielders, rather our defenders’ lack of anticipation. In summary, I agree with your analysis. I really appreciated Nemanja as a player – that’s why I coached him at three different clubs. I think Paredes is a top person and player. In possession he’s wonderful and is great at mounting attacks.”

Given that this is Servette’s biggest game in 20 years how are you preparing for such an occasion?

“Why is it their biggest game in 20 years?”

Because it’s on the European stage and the opponent – and coach - they’re facing. Anticipation has been at fever pitch.

“While it's important for you it’s perhaps more important for us. Ultimately, the pressure is on Roma. I’m not aware of what Servette want to achieve in this competition, but I have a clear idea of our goals. Servette deserve respect. While things domestically aren’t going great they’ve done well in Europe. They’ve also got a good coach – I faced him as Manchester United boss when we took on Anderlecht. His teams are always well-organised and disciplined units. It won’t be easy, which is why I’m only making three or four changes out of respect for them. I hope that their fans have a nice evening in Rome and at the Olimpico, but that they go home with no points.”