Jose Mourinho insists Bodo/Glimt are the ‘toughest opponent’ of the Europa Conference League group and ‘nothing’ can make him leave Roma for Newcastle United.
It kicks off on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT) in Norway.
The Giallorossi are top of their group with two wins out of two, whereas Bodo/Glimt beat Zorya 3-1 and drew 0-0 away to CSKA Sofia.
“It’s a synthetic pitch, the weather is difficult and we’ve had a four-hour trip to get here, plus we’ve got a game coming up on Sunday and then two days after that Cagliari. So obviously, we don’t have all our players and need to rotate,” confirmed Mourinho in his press conference.
“There is an enormous difference between a synthetic pitch and a natural one. We cannot risk players who have a history of injuries, like Nicolò Zaniolo and Rick Karsdorp, as they could lose a whole season playing on a turf like this.
“Despite all that, I am happy to be here. I’ve played European games in many countries, but never in Norway, and it’s a beautiful place.
“I consider Bodo/Glimt to be the toughest opponent of the whole group, as they are organised and have perfectly clear principles of football. It will certainly be a difficult match for us, they have more quality than CSKA and Zorya.
“We have six points, but I want us to forget that when we step onto the field, as it’s a game to be won.”
Mourinho was also asked about the controversy that dragged on from the 1-0 defeat to Juventus, with a penalty that was awarded when the referee should perhaps have waited a few seconds for Tammy Abraham to score.
The coach decided to pat himself on the back for refusing to stir up more tension.
“After the match, I analysed the performance of my team and did not want to analyse the performance of the referee. I am truly happy that I did that. I prefer not to say anything and focus on my team.”
Following the conference, Mourinho also spoke to Sky Sport Italia and was asked if he could leave Roma for Newcastle United and their new millions.
“No. Absolutely not. I signed for three years and nothing can make me leave these lads.”
Sure, he wouldn’t “leave” – but he could and maybe will seek constructive dismissal LOL via complaining.
Football is all about money if he decides to go to Newcastle, no one will blame him