José Mourinho is glad UEFA lifted a three-match ban on Nicolò Zaniolo but can’t guarantee the Italy international will play against Ludogorets and insists Roma ‘don’t want to win the Conference League again.’
The Serie A host Ludogorets at home tomorrow and must win to qualify for the Europa League play-off.
Both sides have seven points, but Roma lost the reverse fixture in Bulgaria, so they need a victory at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.
Zaniolo is available after UEFA lifted a three-match ban on the Italy international who, however, is not fully fit after picking up a knock against Hellas Verona on Monday.
“This is what I call justice, a three-match ban was too much, I think he deserved to be suspended for just one match at most,” Mourinho said at a press conference.
“It’s important that he can play because he can help us win. I can’t say if he is fit, let’s see how he feels today, but I’d like to have him available.
“If we don’t win, we go to Conference League, but we don’t want. We want Europa League play-offs, and we only have one result to get there. It will be difficult because we have pressure and because of the opponent,” continued the Special One.
“I think the stadium is sold out, so the atmosphere will be worth a big match, like against Bodo or Leicester. If we create this atmosphere, we can make it.”
If Roma don’t get all three points tomorrow, they will be dropped to the Conference League, a competition they already won last season. What does Mourinho expect from Roma’s opponents tomorrow?
“I expect a tam playing for two results, differently from us. They are dangerous with counter-attacks, but we know we must run risks. The players’ ambition is not to win the Conference League again, we want to play in the Europa League play-offs where we’ll find teams that could even win the Champions League. That’s where we want to get.”
Nemanja Matic is not fully fit but should be included in the starting XI along with Stephan El Shaarawy.
“Matic is a 34-year-old injured playe,r but he wants to be there to help the team,” said Mourinho.
“A young player training with these footballers can only grow up. Let’s see how he feels today and whether he can play. I think he will be involved, El Shaarawy will play, and then there are nine players remaining.”
Zaniolo absolutely deserved the three match ban, the way he pushed and then kicked the betis player
A little more self reflection would help both Mourinho and Zaniolo
Sad when UEFA overturns something that shouldn’t have been changed. Shameful