Jose Mourinho admits all the work Roma did to prepare for Andriy Shevchenko’s Genoa has ‘gone in the bin’ after Bryan Cristante tested positive for COVID-19. ‘Only I know who will play tomorrow.’
It kicks off on Sunday at Marassi at 19.45 GMT.
The Giallorossi are without Bryan Cristante and Gonzalo Villar, who tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, along with injured Matias Vina, Riccardo Calafiori, Chris Smalling and Leonardo Spinazzola.
“All the work we did over the week and that your sources told you about, that’s all gone in the bin,” said Mourinho in his press conference.
“Obviously, it all changes once we lose a player like Cristante. With so many problems, like all three left-backs out of action, clearly we need to find solutions. Some will have to play out of position.
“I think it can be a good opportunity for us to see which of you reporters really are smart. Only I know who will play tomorrow. Not even my assistants know. Your sources are of no use today.
“It all happened so quickly this morning, we didn’t even manage a training session. You are the ones suggesting we’ll play with three at the back, I never specified.”
There are other unknowns going into tomorrow’s game, because Genoa sacked coach Davide Ballardini and it will be the debut for new boss Andriy Shevchenko.
“I’m not saying that we are entirely in the dark, but it certainly has some difficulties. Playing against a new coach is rather unknown, but at the end of the day, Genoa and Roma both need points. It’ll be entertaining, with the desire to win from both sides.”
Mourinho was Shevchenko’s manager at Chelsea, but hit back at suggestions they did not get along.
“My first memory of Shevchenko is when I saw him playing. When you win the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and many other trophies, then you make history.
“Now it is his first experience as a coach at club level. He did well with Ukraine, proving he has a clear philosophy of football. He’s a calm leader, because he’s a calm person.
“I would love for him to experience what I did at my first game as a coach: I lost, but then won many trophies later on.”
Mourinho has been increasingly irritable with the media in recent weeks and refused to answer when asked if he had the patience to wait for Roma to strengthen his squad.
“Next question.”