AS Roma coach José Mourinho (60, Portugal), who has recently been rumored to be appointed to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), denied this in public. “If PSG called me, they wouldn’t find me,” he laughed.
Roma, led by coach Mourinho, will have a home game against Leverkusen (Germany) at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy on the 12th at 4 am (Korean time) in the first leg of the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League in the 2022-23 season.
Roma, who reached the top of the Europa Conference League last season, are aiming for the Europa League title this year.
At a press conference the day before the game, a rather sensitive question was asked to Mourinho. It was a question about the rumor that French prestigious PSG wants coach Mourinho, who has a contract with Roma until next year.
PSG is planning to part ways with manager Christophe Galtier after the end of this season and look for a new head coach.
Coach Mourinho responded cheerfully and laughed, saying, “Even if they call me, I won’t be able to find it” to a question that can be sensitive ahead of an important game.
Coach Mourinho is about to face off against Leverkusen, led by his former student Xabi Alonso (42, Spain).
Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso ⓒ Reuters = News 1
Alonso played a pivotal role in the team from 2010 to 2013, when coach Mourinho was in charge at Real Madrid (Spain). After his retirement, he went through the Real Sociedad (Spain) B team and took over as Leverkusen’s command tower, leading his life smoothly.
Mourinho gave the thumbs up towards his opponent, Alonso. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. We’ve always had a fantastic relationship, not between a manager and a player,” he said.
Head coach Mourinho,메이저놀이터 who is aiming for the trophy in the European competition again after last year, emphasized his confidence rather than his burden. He encouraged the players, saying, “(Our players) are not too excited about advancing to the semifinals,” and “It is the first game played at home, but they are experienced enough not to obsess over it.”
However, the injured are a variable. He is uncertain about the appearances of ace Paulo Dybala and midfielder Georginio Bai Naldum.
“We have to do everything we can to get them back,” said Mourinho, “but we will prepare well for the game regardless of (the two) participation.”