José Mourinho believes Roma controlled the game against LaLiga side Real Sociedad despite less ball possession but ‘won’t say’ the 2-0 win at the Olimpico is a good result.
The Special One spoke to Sky Sport Italia following Roma’s victory in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
“I liked the organisation, the effort and the empathy on the pitch,” he said.
“We all helped each other. It’s hard to play against teams who field a midfield diamond. We faced it against Empoli and RB Salzburg, but it’s difficult.
“We needed a strong mentality because when you don’t have the ball for a long time, mentality is crucial. We controlled the match despite having less possession.
“The second goal was important and we scored it at a moment when we could just handle the match,” he continued.
“This result is good only if we don’t concede three goals there [in Spain]. I will never say it’s a good result after the first leg.”
How did he prepare for the game?
“With two offensive wing-backs. Defensively, I don’t like to face teams with a midfield diamond, but offensively, I do.
“Stephan El Shaarawy sometimes starts on the bench because I need solutions in attack during the game. When he plays wide in midfield he has to sacrifice.
“Now we face Sassuolo. Alessio Dionisi is quiet at home, drinking sparkling water and watching the game with his lads,” he added with a smile.
“We prepared the game thinking we would keep possession for longer. However, I am happy and I couldn’t ask for more. This is a tricky week because we will accumulate tiredness. We’ll go to San Sebastian to play a great game, facing Lazio two days later.”