Roma coach Jose Mourinho stressed ‘we all made mistakes’ in the 6-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt last time and revealed he will make changes in the return leg tomorrow. ‘We can’t say it’s decisive, the situation is good’.
The Norwegian champions humiliated Mourinho’s men two weeks ago, when the Giallorossi returned to Italy after a 6-1 defeat in Bodo.
Mourinho aims to bounce back with a win at home on Thursday and stressed La Lupa are ‘in a good situation’ ahead of the last three group games.
“We have six points, we are in a good situation,” Mourinho said at a press conference. “If we forget the result of Bodo. Six points with two games at home, the situation is good.
“We can’t say that tomorrow is decisive. We want to finish first in the group and win tomorrow.”
Mourinho was asked about his decisions after the match in Norway, but avoided to single out individuals.
Bodo/Glimt coach Knutsen: ‘The players are very happy to play at the Olimpico’
“All of us got it wrong,” he said. “I don’t want to say that he did this and that wrong. We lost as a team and tomorrow we want to win as a team.
“The same team will obviously not play tomorrow. I was afraid of everything, of the pitch, of tiredness, etc.
“I was wrong, we all made mistakes.”
After a great start for Tammy Abraham in Italy, things have slowed down for the England international.
Mourinho, however, is not worried about the former Chelsea striker and claimed ‘he will play better’ soon.
“We are always us. He comes from a different football culture, refereeing culture, even a social one,” Mourinho added. “It’s never easy.
“He started very well; he made a positive impact. Now, he’s going through a less special moment. He’s a great player and we have faith in him.
“There’s no problem, he will play better, he will score.”
Mourinho was fined €10,000 for his behaviour towards referee Fabio Maresca after the 2-1 defeat to Milan last weekend and was asked about his experience with match officials and sanctions in other countries.
“I’m not talking about the referee and I’m not talking about Serie A,” he said and reiterated his stance when he was asked about the two different performances between Milan and Cagliari. “I’m not talking about what we did in Serie A.”
Nicolò Zaniolo has returned to be a protagonist at Roma after the two serious injuries and Mourinho said the young Italian works very well.
“It’s not easy after two years of injuries,” Mourinho continued. “Against Juventus, he had the fear of a player who has suffered so much.
“It’s normal to have these fears and only time helps him forget. Physically, he’s fine. He’s very strong. There are tactical details to improve, to learn and that’s normal.
“He’s a professional who likes to work. I’m pleased.”