Paulo Fonseca assures Roma was ‘a very difficult experience, but a gratifying one’ as he hands over to Jose Mourinho, but there are inevitably regrets after beating Manchester United 3-2 in the Europa League semi-final.
The Giallorossi regained some dignity after the 6-2 first leg defeat by beating Manchester United 3-2 with goals from Edin Dzeko, Bryan Cristante and debutant teenager Nicola Zalewski.
Paulo Fonseca assures Roma was ‘a very difficult experience, but a gratifying one’ as he hands over to Jose Mourinho, but there are inevitably regrets after beating Manchester United 3-2 in the Europa League semi-final.
The Giallorossi regained some dignity after the 6-2 first leg defeat by beating Manchester United 3-2 with goals from Edin Dzeko, Bryan Cristante and debutant teenager Nicola Zalewski.
“I think we had a good first half in Manchester, so we lost the round, but did well over the two legs otherwise,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I thought it was possible for us to reach the Final, even when we were paired with Manchester. It was possible, and we were in front at half-time at Old Trafford, but we got it wrong in the second half.
“It became very difficult to win 4-0 here, but we gave it our best and scored three goals this evening. Unfortunately, Manchester United made the most of all their chances.”
Fonseca gave 19-year-old Ebrima Darboe a chance off the bench, only his second professional appearance in the Roma jersey.
“Ebrima had been training with us for some time and when Chris Smalling was injured, I looked to him. As soon as he came on, he looked like a seasoned professional, so he did a wonderful job and so did Zalewski.”
It was a strange couple of days for Fonseca, as it was announced he would be leaving at the end of the season, to be replaced by Jose Mourinho.
“I know Mourinho well, we are both Portuguese. He was very fair with me at this moment and we did talk. I really don’t think Mourinho needs my advice.
“It has been a great pleasure for me to be the Roma coach. It made me very proud to be part of Italian football. I learned so much and there are many positive things that I can look back on. It was a very difficult experience, but a very gratifying one.”
Would Fonseca like to remain in Serie A after his Roma spell has ended?
“I honestly don’t know. I really like being in Italy, I love Italian football, but it depends on the opportunities. We’ll see.”
Did he ever consider resigning?
“No, I am not someone who gives up. There were difficult moments, but I tried to focus on improving the team and continuing my work. It’s the easiest path, to leave this pressure behind and walk away, but I never considered it.”