Tiago Pinto sees Jose Mourinho’s mentality making an impact on the squad ahead of tonight’s Conference League semi-final with Leicester City and explains why more England internationals are coming to Roma.
The first leg kicks off at the King Power Stadium at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
Liveblog: Conference League semi-final Leicester City vs. Roma
“Clearly, we know that unfortunately we are the only remaining Italian side in Europe. So we feel pride, but also extra responsibility,” Tiago Pinto told Sky Sport Italia.
“We are here to compete, to win, to reach the Final, as it would be important for our team, our project and all of Italian football that can do with the co-efficient points.”
Tammy Abraham and Chris Smalling start this evening, only two of the players Roma have signed from the Premier League.
“In recent years, it’s not just Roma, but also that English players are open to leaving the Premier League. There are many clubs who have strong youth academies, but don’t have much playing time, so they go abroad to find space like Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho or Fikayo Tomori.
“The Premier League tempo is incredible, so they are in good shape. We have been fortunate with the players we signed from the premier League, as they settled in pretty well.”
Tiago Pinto was asked how he is feeling in the build-up to his first European semi-final at Roma?
“It is always difficult for me. The coach and the players drive the car, I can do very little from the back seat, but I remain tense approaching the game. I remain confident we can bring home a good result.”
It is of course nothing new for Mourinho, who has already won the Champions League and the Europa League.
“I think Mourinho as a leader gives us this mentality every day that only he has, someone who won so many titles and is focused on improving every detail. This mentality is slowly moving through every component of Roma, we will see a team that doesn’t give up and always tries to win.”
#Pinto: “Siamo venuti qui per lottare e andare in finale. Sarebbe spettacolare per noi” #ASRoma #LeicesterRoma #UECL https://t.co/F489nXukgG
— pagineromaniste.com (@PagineRomaniste) April 28, 2022
and least open to Italian home grown players as well.
????????? Who are you talking about Mr. Pinto – Smalling, Tomori, Maitland-Niles are EPL rejects…hardly English international no disrespect but even they are not even good enough for the likes of Palace, Everton, Leeds, etc that’s why they come to Italy..soon to be the Euro_MLS with directors like you ..