Jose Mourinho returns to the Roma bench in the Europa League after his ban and warns it is ‘unacceptable’ to have a different attitude against Servette compared to Serie A.
It kicks off in Geneva on Thursday at 20.00 GMT.
This will see the return of the Special One to the bench after sitting out his four-match UEFA touchline ban, which was imposed following insults towards the referee at last season’s Europa League Final.
“What we hope is that Servette are focused on their domestic competition and put out a second-string squad tomorrow,” said Mourinho in his press conference and to Sky Sport Italia.
“We want first place and have to try to score a few goals. I know that Servette start well at home, but they ought to have third place locked up, so we hope they are thinking about the league.”
While the Giallorossi are on the verge of qualifying in the top two, they are now at risk of missing out on first place, which would mean going into the play-offs against a side that comes down from the Champions League.
They currently have nine points, the same as Slavia Prague, and with an identical head-to-head record, so the only divider is overall goal difference.
Servette are in third place on four points and lost 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on October 5.
“If we win and so do Slavia Prague, then it all goes down to the last game, but the important thing is that we win tomorrow.”
There ought to be some squad rotation for Mourinho as well, after climbing into fifth place in Serie A.
“When you are at Inter, Real Madrid, Chelsea, you cannot think this tournament is more important than another. That is an unthinkable, unacceptable approach and not one I am used to, nor do I want to see it here.
“If we reach the end of the season and are forced to make a choice, then we will, otherwise we keep going. This is tough, with Sassuolo on Sunday and we cannot travel until tomorrow.”
Chris Smalling is still out of action along with long-term absentees Tammy Abraham and Marash Kumbulla.
“I had a few experiences in changing players where the response was not what I expected. Our difficulties are above all in defence, because with Smalling and Kumbulla injured, there are not many options.”
Asked if Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku could start against Servette, he said it was ‘possible.’
“We have two away fixtures in three days and need everyone, so I will make changes and I hope people who are not accustomed to being on the bench will find the right attitude when coming on.
“I can say that Edoardo Bove has to play 90 minutes and do a double marathon. We must have the psychological strength to give our all. A draw is nothing to me.”
Roma could’ve secured top spot already if not for the 2-0 defeat away to Slavia Prague and Mourinho remains furious about that performance.
“It was unacceptable. Aside from the result, I was in the stands that day and it was tough to watch the attitude and lack of concentration from the team.
“We all know the derby has a different weight to other games, but the performance in Prague was just horrible and we talked about it today.
“It is always difficult away from home, the stadium will be full, the pitch is horrible. Servette are in good shape, they have not lost since their defeat to Roma and are close to Young Boys in the race for the domestic title.
“If we win this, then we can fight it out in the final game.”
Sardar Azmoun is not on the Europa League squad list due to Financial Fair Play limitations, but gave a big contribution to Roma’s goal against Udinese, a well-worked team move.
“I continue to say I am very sad that Azmoun cannot play in the Europa League, as it would give him more playing time and help his progress learning how to help the defence.
“I was super happy against Udinese with the options off the bench, because when the side is at least almost complete, I have the options to work with. Since the start of the season, we have improved a great deal in the way we construct moves, have the ball and control the various moments of the game.
“This remains a team with limitations, but it is improving.”