Jose Mourinho has not hidden his affection for his former club Roma ahead of his return to the Stadio Olimpico with Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night, says that the Giallorossi are among the strongest teams in the world and suggested that this fixture could be repeated at the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Mourinho spoke at length about his relationship with Roma during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening, ahead of the Champions League league phase match between the Giallorossi and Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 BST on Wednesday night.
Mourinho’s pre-match press conference ahead of Roma vs. Real Madrid
Mourinho has already spoken affectionately about his time with Roma in an interview with the Corriere dello Sport earlier this week, but was asked several more questions about the Giallorossi during his presser on Tuesday.
He made it clear that he thinks Roma and Inter are the only contenders for the 2026-27 Serie A title and that the Giallorossi are currently among the best sides in the world.
“We need to play very well,” said Mourinho (via TMW).
“We’ve had to play against two of the strongest teams in the world in the first two games, first Inter and now Roma. They’re a strong and motivated team because they’re returning to the Champions League and they have a crowd that can win games. We have a strong opponent in front of us.
“I don’t have to say it, but without a doubt, Roma and Inter are the strongest sides in the league. I’ve seen everything I need from Inter and Roma: They are the strongest. I’ve prepared, I feel fine, without a doubt I will give my best for the 90 minutes. The Roma fans want to win it and so do I. The love is forgotten during the game.”
One reporter told Mourinho that a taxi driver had told him all about the way in which he won over the Roman people during his time in the Italian capital.
“Beware, the taxi drivers can also be Lazio fans,” Mourinho jokingly replied. “For me, the interest of the club, the fans and the team all come before me. People appreciate that. And then, if you go on to achieve something good, it’s even better.
“We didn’t win the Champions League, but we won a European trophy and got to a second European final. I don’t hide the fact that the Roma fans are special, they treated me well everywhere we went, they are special people.”
Mourinho went on to explain that this fixture could be repeated much later on in the competition, potentially in the quarter-finals.
“It will be a game like any other. I have to forget where I am, who I’m playing against. For me, it will just be another game. There is no pressure with it being the Champions League, I think Roma and Real Madrid will both qualify. Maybe later on I’ll come back here to play the quarter-final.”