Jose Mourinho hit back at Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri for suggesting Roma are playing a ‘friendly’ against Slavia Prague. ‘This is the difference between a coach who won 26 titles and another that has barely won anything.’
The Europa League tie kicks off in Prague on Thursday at 17.45 GMT.
The Giallorossi are currently top of the group with nine points, so a win here would not just guarantee qualification, but also lock down the leadership.
This is an important achievement, because it means avoiding the February play-offs against a side that drops down from the Champions League.
At the same time, Roma also face the pressure to get back on track in Serie A with this Sunday’s Derby della Capitale against arch-rivals Lazio.
“The biggest game of a lifetime is always the next one for me, always. Since I started being a professional coach, that has been the case,” said Mourinho in his press conference.
Roma beat Slavia Prague at the Stadio Olimpico after a lightning start to that showdown.
“We scored in the opening minute, so most games do not develop that way. We got the second goal after 20 minutes and kept the match under control from then on.
“Slavia Prague are a strong team, they have organisation, with quality both attacking and defending. They have a good coach, a beautiful stadium.
“We are close to qualification, while they too are in a privileged position compared to Servette and Sheriff in the group. I expect a good game.”
Maurizio Sarri said that while Lazio were going ‘into war’ with Feyenoord on Tuesday, Roma would effectively be in a friendly match with Sparta Prague.
“I think that if someone ought to feel offended about that comment, it is Slavia Prague and not me,” replied Mourinho.
“It is as if he said Slavia have no quality. I always respect my opponents. Perhaps this is the difference in a coach who has won 26 titles and another that has barely won anything: that kind of mentality.
“Every game must be taken seriously, there are no friendlies. I would love to hear the reaction of the Lega Serie A, because that was an objective and direct criticism. So I wait.”
There are some concerns around Nicola Zalewski, who is suffering from flu symptoms but has made the journey to Prague.
“We will play all those who are in good shape and who we think are the best for this match.”
Last season, Roma reached the Europa League Final and only lost on penalties, having put all their Champions League qualification eggs in that basked. Are they doing it again?
“I don’t know, we will try to qualify via both avenues. We want to do as well as possible in Serie A and to continue in Europe for a third year running. There will be difficulties with this accumulation of fixtures, but I was always told to think the next game was the most important.”
Mourinho was asked about his experiences of Prague, specifically the European Super Cup where Chelsea lost to Bayern Munich.
“We drew that game, we did not lose, playing for an hour with 10 men and then there was a penalty shoot-out. I know the airports, hotels and stadiums of many beautiful cities, but sadly little else, as I do not get the time to visit them.”
I always considered Sarri as a gentleman but after his comments I wonder whether he is truly a gentleman 🤔
This guy! First he still thinks he beat Seville , and now Chelsea beat Bayern!
The deluded one , perfect for Roma , the most deluded fans in Italy.
@Stephen Was Sarri not right? Considering that two teams in the group have NO chance to qualify and Roma have the derby days after, he actually should focus on the League (he likely is, however, he is lying when he says the next match is always the most important)
Pure lie to try play mindgames
Next year will be 10 years since Moaninho won a league title. The man is the epitome of living in the past.