Paulo Fonseca admits it’s right to ‘part ways’ with Roma and is sure Jose Mourinho ‘will do a great job’ there, but he’ll fight to the end against Manchester United.
The first leg of the Europa League semi-final ended 6-2 and the decider is tomorrow at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
That result was the final straw, although the decision to fire him and already been made some time ago, and yesterday the club made the shock announcement that Mourinho would take over.
Paulo Fonseca admits it’s right to ‘part ways’ with Roma and is sure Jose Mourinho ‘will do a great job’ there, but he’ll fight to the end against Manchester United.
The first leg of the Europa League semi-final ended 6-2 and the decider is tomorrow at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
That result was the final straw, although the decision to fire him and already been made some time ago, and yesterday the club made the shock announcement that Mourinho would take over.
“Professionalism is a sacred value for me,” said Fonseca in his press conference.
“I am fine, just as I was the first day I arrived. I am motivated and want to do my best for Roma until the last day I’m here. Mourinho is a great coach and will do a great job here.
“It’s not a problem for me, I experience this moment with the same professionalism as always.”
Fonseca was asked if his departure from Roma was a firing or a mutual agreement that this was not working out.
“I’ll be honest, it is time we part ways.”
As for the match, Roma would have to win 4-0 in order to progress, so even more difficult than the infamous Champions League turnaround when they beat Barcelona 3-0.
“I can’t lie, it’s not easy to beat Manchester United 4-0. I’ve seen many things in football and nothing is impossible, so I can still believe. It’s not a comforting result, but we want to win and fight to the end.”