Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini says the Giallorossi fans will support the team despite the predictable warm welcome for José Mourinho, and he adds that he admires the Portuguese’s ability to ‘persuade clubs to buy extraordinary players.’
Roma and Real Madrid meet at the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital tomorrow for the second round of the Champions League league phase.
The match marks Mourinho’s return to Rome after he was suddenly sacked in January 2024.
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The Merengues beat Roma’s domestic rivals Inter in the Champions League Round 1, while Roma drew 1-1 away at Fenerbahce.
Roma vs. Real Madrid – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference
“It’s a good moment for us; we want to test ourselves against a top European team, even if they need a bit of time to get up to speed. They have already beaten Inter, and it’s a prestigious, meaningful game for the table,” Gasperini said at a press conference, via Sky Sport.
Surely, Gasperini won’t change the team’s philosophy and style of play for such a big game.
“Our attitude led us to play these types of matches and finish third last year,” he said.
“We have characteristics we don’t change. We know Real’s value, but they aren’t the first valuable team we meet. It doesn’t take them much to create dangerous situations, but that’s part of what makes great teams great. I don’t think Roma’s characteristics should be distorted.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma at Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on September 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“As I said before, perhaps they [Real Madrid] need a few more matches to get up to speed because they have changed formation and manager,” Gasp continued.
“They have tremendous resources, and I believe that, with time, they can only improve. They remain an extremely dangerous team, capable of winning every match. In terms of the aesthetic quality of their football, they certainly have room for improvement.”
Mourinho has built a solid bond with Roma fans, as he led the club to a Conference League title in 2021-22 and reached the Europa League Final the following season.
Therefore, he’s expected to receive a very warm welcome tomorrow.
“Rightly so, because there surely was love for Mourinho from our fans, so he’ll deserve all the recognition he’ll receive,” Gasperini said.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma at Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on September 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“Those are things people feel, and you can’t stop them. At the same time, I’m convinced that when the game begins, all emotions will be set aside and people will support Roma exclusively.
“Results speak for José. He’s one of the most successful coaches,” Gasp added.
“If I had to take one thing, it would be his ability to persuade clubs to buy extraordinary players and spend large sums of money; that is extraordinary.”
The Roma coach repeated the same thing, smiling, during an interview with Sky Sport Italia: “They signed Diomande for that money. Well done, great José!” he said jokingly.
“He’s very good for the rest too, and his results. But that remains a great ability.”
LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SL Benfica and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at on November 05, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
What are the differences between this Roma side and Mourinho’s?
“Those are two different teams. That was a Roma side with new ownership, a strong presence, and heavy spending,” Gasp replied.
“This is a developing team that is very tough. We are a confident team that qualified for the Champions League, which provided important resources.
“It’s a bit difficult to have Real Madrid as a benchmark. In what they represent globally, they are the club with the most titles and the most fans worldwide,” Gasperini concluded.
“So, this isn’t the comparison we should focus on; it’s what happens on the pitch. We recently played Inter and Como, two of Italy’s best teams, and now we face one of the best in Europe and the world. Our target is to measure ourselves against them to understand how competitive we can be.”