Roma winger Stephan El Shaarawy said working with Jose Mourinho ‘is hugely motivating’ and claimed the appointment demonstrated the club’s ‘ambitious plans’.
Mourinho replaced Paulo Fonseca at the Olimpico over the summer and the start of the campaign was flawless.
But the team has hit a rough patch in recent weeks and are currently on a run with one win in seven games across all competitions.
Mourinho returns from break: ‘Back to the office, to build a future for Roma’
El Shaarawy, who returned to Roma last season after one and a half years at Shanghai Shenhua in China, revealed the Portuguese coach’s arrival at Trigoria was completely unexpected.
“It came out of the blue,” El Shaarawy told the club’s official website. “But then I understood the club had serious, ambitious plans.
“It’s a long-term project but we’re professionals and we must put every effort into obtaining good results as quickly as possible.
“Having a coach like him is hugely motivating and helps you find an extra gear. He’s a brilliant man-motivator and he gets on so well with everyone in Trigoria, not just the players.
“He’s the sort of coach you like listening to. He knows how to get you really fired up. I have a three-year contract and hopefully he’ll stay here as long as possible.”
The 29-year-old has scored five goals in 16 competitive games with La Lupa this term, including a dramatic winner in the 2-1 triumph over Sassuolo in Serie A.
El Shaarawy revealed he had a great start under the former Inter coach and believes everyone at the club is ‘working for the good of Roma’.
“I got off on the right foot with him and his staff straight away. They’re very capable,” El Shaarawy continued. “We’re all pulling in the same direction and that’s the most important thing.
“We’ve bonded as a group, we’re all united and working for the good of Roma, not for any personal interests.”
El Shaaway explained what Mourinho asked of him at the start of their time together in the Italian capital.
“He wants me to chase very aggressively when we’re trying to win the ball back. He wants me to help out defensively too. He wants everyone to pull their weight to help regain possession.”
“We’re all pulling in the same direction and that’s the most important thing. We’ve bonded as a group, we’re all united and working for the good of Roma.”
We spoke to @OfficialEl92 about the season so far…#ASRoma
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) November 18, 2021
Forza Roma