Brendan Rodgers believes Leicester City ‘dominated’ Roma in a 1-1 Conference League semi-final draw and was interrupted by Jose Mourinho during his post-match interview with a surprising revelation.
Giallorossi captain Lorenzo Pellegrini had put the visitors in front by nutmegging Kasper Schmeichel on an inspired Nicola Zalewski assist, but after numerous attempts and long periods of pressure, Ademola Lookman bundled over the line from close range, although it has now been credited as a Gianluca Mancini own goal.
Away goals no longer count for double in Europe this season, so it’s winner takes all at the Stadio Olimpico on May 5.
“I thought we played ever so well, really dominated the game, very pleased with the performance,” Rodgers told BT Sport.
“You want to start well, bring your tempo and intensity into the game. The only thing missing was the final bit of quality in the final third.
“The players coming into the game, it is the benefit of having five subs and players who can come in and influence it – he has done great, (Harvey) Barnes.
“We really worked them and opened up the space as well – the (Roma) back line of five, midfield in front of that – some of our play was excellent, it was just that final pass or combination play to get us in.”
The decider is at the Stadio Olimpico, where over 60,000 tickets have already been sold and the home fans know how to provide an extraordinary atmosphere.
“We have come through a couple of legs against two outstanding teams, Rennes in particular were outstanding. PSV, they won the Dutch Cup, so that shows you. We were really good in our game and that gives us great confidence going into the second leg.”
There was a cameo at the end of the Sky Sport Italia interview from Roma coach Mourinho, who popped his head into shot and told the interviewer: “He gave me the best wine there is!”
It is something of a tradition for coaches to give each other gifts of wine in big games, most famously between Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodgers was working at Chelsea when Mourinho was at Stamford Bridge, so the pair know each other well.
“I thought we played ever so well, really dominated the game, very pleased with the performance.” 👏
The only thing missing for Brendan Rodgers today was “a bit of quality in the final third.”
Leicester head to Rome with it all to play for in the second leg 💪 #UECL pic.twitter.com/OwfyLgPyhf
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2022