Roma coach Paulo Fonseca claims the Super League 'could have killed real football' and praises his compatriot Bruno Fernandes.
The Giallorossi face Fernandes' Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals tomorrow.
"Bruno is amazing, for what he did at Sporting and for what he's doing at United. He did arrive a little late, but he learned so much before Sporting, developing in Italy," Fonseca told ESPN.
Roma coach Paulo Fonseca claims the Super League 'could have killed real football' and praises his compatriot Bruno Fernandes.
The Giallorossi face Fernandes' Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals tomorrow.
"Bruno is amazing, for what he did at Sporting and for what he's doing at United. He did arrive a little late, but he learned so much before Sporting, developing in Italy," Fonseca told ESPN.
"What I find remarkable is his personality. He has a lot of quality, but he is also a leader, a fighter and so, so smart. I'm not surprised that from the moment he arrived at United, he became a leader on that team."
This is Fonseca's second season in charge of Roma, which sides have surprised him the most?
“Every game in Serie A is a big challenge tactically, because managers are always trying to gain an advantage. One thing we've seen is teams like Atalanta, Verona and Bologna, who play man-to-man all over the pitch,” the coach claimed.
“And it's not just in Italy. Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United did it on Sunday against Manchester United, marking man-for-man and doing it deeper than they usually do. It was very difficult for United in that game, and it's difficult for us when teams do it to us in Italy.”
The former Shakhtar boss has been very critical of the Super League and insisted the competition launched by 12 elite European clubs 10 days ago could have killed real football.
“When I saw the news, at first I was very worried, but now I'm very proud — proud to be part of football,” he said.
“I think we gave a big example to the world, to society. The most important thing is supporters. I understand the biggest clubs want more money, but they're also the ones spending the most money. They're the ones paying 100 million euros for players. And this creates a problem for smaller clubs. It's egotism on their part.
“So I thank the supporters, the players, the coaches, everybody who stood against this. If the Super League had happened, it could have killed real football. And I think to what happened in England, seeing the supporters on the street, making their voice heard, and it was amazing. I am so proud of them, and I have to say thank you.”