Jose Mourinho insists there is ‘something more’ to his emotional bond with Roma compared to other clubs in his career and he feels protective of them too. ‘It is a joy for pseudo intellectuals of football to criticise us.’
The Special One has continued to leave doubts around his future, but even with frustration over Financial Fair Play restrictions, he continues to say this is one of the most rewarding roles of his long career.
“I always feel the desire and the professional responsibility, but there is something more here,” he told TG2.
“These people change the temperature of your skin with their warmth. I love these people, and that is why I have absolutely no problem in saying that Roma are very special for me, in my career.”
That also means that he feels protective of the Giallorossi and their reputation on the wider scene in Italy and above all in Europe.
“I do think that Roma are too criticised. There is something inside that opens the door a little to these situations, but Roma are too criticised and so is Mourinho.
“A small example: our run to the Europa League Final was very easy, according to some,” laughed the coach bitterly.
“Look what Red Bull Salzburg do in the Champions League, Real Sociedad too, Feyenoord still in the running in the Champions League and Bayer Leverkusen too. I think the last game they lost was against Roma.
“If I was another coach, at another club with a different profile, it would be a completely different narrative. That is not a problem for me, because I have dealt with this my whole career. I was used to it 10 years ago, so it cannot be an issue now.
“However, I do think it is a problem for Roma as a club, because they deserve far more praise. It is a problem for the fans, who deserve far more too. But it is a joy for the pseudo fans and pseudo intellectuals of football to criticise us.”
Mourinho won the Europa Conference League in his debut season with Roma, then only lost the Europa League Final to Sevilla on penalties.
The lack of resources to bring in new players has also forced Mourinho to look towards the Roma youth academy and this is something he has learned to appreciate.
“It had happened in the past too, such as Raphael Varane getting his Champions League full debut with me at age 18 with Real Madrid, but also launching the likes of Davide Santon and Scott McTominay.
“Here at Roma, there were even more due to the situation and understanding how important it was for the club at all levels in the ‘fight’ against Financial Fair Play. There is also the sense of belonging you get from these lads. When I see the joy of kids like D’Alessio and Cherubini, that creates a bond that remains.”