Roma director Tiago Pinto is confident Jose Mourinho’s influence is rubbing off on the squad ahead of their Europa League tie with Real Sociedad and hits back at critics. ‘In Italy you really love to discuss tactics.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.45 GMT.
The Giallorossi finished second in their group and pushed past RB Salzburg in the play-offs to reach this Round of 16, while their confidence was boosted by a Serie A victory against Juventus at the weekend to leap into fourth place.
“As I always said, time is very important for a sporting project. Just two weeks ago we read Mourinho didn’t lose a home game for nine years, which reflects his experience, work, character and obviously with every month that goes by, he has more influence on the mentality of this Roma squad,” Tiago Pinto told Sky Sport Italia.
Diego Llorente makes his debut from the start this evening, standing in for suspended Roger Ibanez.
“Llorente is different to the other players we have in terms of characteristics, he comes from a league where physicality is more important than technique, the defence was doing very well and so he was able to take time to understand what Mourinho wants. Now he is ready.”
Real Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal said this week that there shouldn’t be such criticism of Roma’s playing style for not being particularly entertaining.
“I agree! Italy is a football country, perhaps the only place where you can see 20,000 people attending a Serie C match. You Italians have this great understanding, knowledge and discussion of tactics that you don’t really get in other countries,” added Tiago Pinto.
“I realised that in Italy you really love to discuss tactics, the way teams play, but when you play 60 games per season, there are moments when you can play better and others when we have to get the job done. I hear people complain about the way we played against Juventus, but that was the game we needed to play in order to win.
“The same is true of Milan yesterday, they visited Tottenham and played the game they had to play, bringing home the result. Obviously, all coaches and directors would love to play scintillating football every week, but we are human beings and do our best. The results are the important thing for Italian football right now.”
It doesn’t seem to have affected the appetite of the Roma fans, as yet again this evening the Stadio Olimpico is sold out.