Although the Portuguese continue to be a very contentious character, he has done a wonderful job at the Stadio Olimpico.
Sevilla is an expert at winning the Europa League. To get to this year’s final, they had to pass past Juventus and Manchester United. However, Ivan Rakitic sees defeating Roma as a considerably more difficult task for one and only one reason: According to the Croatian, Jose Mourinho is among the best three coaches in the world.
a fantastic, Rakitic, who has now amassed all of the European Cups in his career, said to Tuttosport. Mourinho is a very exceptional tactician who is exceptional in every way.
It is difficult to disagree with Mourinho and his approach, regardless of your opinion. After being fired from Spurs, he appeared to be done at the top level, but Antonio Conte’s subsequent tribulations working under Daniel Levy and, more crucially, his astonishing turnaround at Roma have given his time at Tottenham a different perspective.
Two consecutive European finals
The Giallorossi only had the 1960–61 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup to their name when Mourinho came to the Italian city in the summer of 2021 amid much excitement. After defeating Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League final the previous year, they are now vying for two in a straight.
Considering the tools at his disposal at the Stadio Olimpico, it will continue to be a highly outstanding accomplishment regardless of the outcome in Budapest. This time last year, Mourinho joked in his pre-game news conference on Tuesday, he had to explain to his players how a UEFA media day worked.
The Setubal native told Sky Sport Italia that only large teams with extensive histories are often able to participate in two consecutive European finals. Even then, it’s challenging. Therefore, it means a lot for us to do it now.
Injury costs pile up
Roma did spend a sizeable sum on a Serie A team soon after his arrival—just under €100 million (£87 million/$107 million), of which €40 million (£35 million/$43 million) went to Tammy Abraham—but they only spent €7 million (£6 million/$7.5 million) last summer. Their reliance on free agents like Paulo Dybala, Nemanja Matic, and Andrea Belotti perfectly encapsulates their budgetary restraint.
As a result, it has not come as a huge surprise to see a team that has once again battled on at least two fronts during the whole season begin to fall apart towards the close of another demanding campaign.
A top-four finish seemed within reach for Roma just over a month ago, but since then, they have lost all seven of their Serie A games, leaving them in danger of finishing sixth for the second time in a row.
Similar to Jesus strolling through the Vatican
Many experts predicted that the Giallorossi would perform much better this season, and others contend that the European run has diverted attention from the league’s disappointing performance. Mourinho, though, definitely does not think that way.
He reiterated last week that he “always tries to be honest.” It bothers me to sell smoking. Roma is not a contender to make the Champions League, as I never suggested. It would be reckless to compete against the caliber of teams we have ahead of us.
After just investing €7 million in the transfer market, qualifying for the Champions League would not have been unprecedented or even miraculous. It would have been similar to Jesus Christ visiting Rome and strolling through the Vatican.
The seemingly unattainable goal of reaching the Europa League final is suddenly a real possibility, due to a string of masterful defensive displays by Mourinho and a herculean effort from a stretched-thin team.
I’ll always be connected to Roma.
Because of this, Mourinho will be suspended for his team’s last Serie A match of the year on Sunday against Spezia at the Stadio Olimpico. This is virtually inevitable and perhaps fitting. In light of this, his final match for Roma might be the Europa League final, and if he does decide to leave the team, it would not be unexpected to see him go quickly.
Remember that when he won the treble with Inter in 2010, he didn’t even travel back to Milan following their victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu because he was worried the celebrations would make him change his mind about going to Real Madrid. Then he said, “I chose to flee from feelings.” But if Roma triumphs on Wednesday night, it seems unlikely that he will be able to control his feelings.
With both his players and the supporters, he has forged strong bonds. Before the final, when asked about his plans, he stated that all of his thoughts were focused on how to win. Then, though, it comes to an end, and Roma and I will always be connected.
And that assertion cannot be disputed in any way. He recently said that Spurs are the only team with whom he does not have a close relationship.
Conclusion
Jose Mourinho’s return to Roma has showcased his enduring quality as a coach. Despite being a controversial figure, Mourinho has excelled at the Stadio Olimpico and has been praised by players like Ivan Rakitic as one of the top three coaches in the world. Under Mourinho’s leadership, Roma has reached two consecutive European finals, a remarkable achievement considering the limited resources at their disposal.
However, injuries and a demanding season have taken a toll on the team’s performance in Serie A, leaving them in danger of finishing outside the top four. Mourinho’s comments about the squad have reportedly strained his relationship with the club’s hierarchy, leading to speculations about his future.
Talks are expected to take place after the season ends to assess the situation and determine the way forward. While uncertainty surrounds Mourinho’s future, his bond with the players and fans at Roma is undeniable. Regardless of what happens, Mourinho’s time at Roma has been a success, with a trophy already secured and a chance to add another European title.
His win-at-all-costs mentality and impressive track record have solidified his reputation as one of the top coaches in the world. Looking ahead, Mourinho’s passion and desire to prove his critics wrong suggest that he is far from finished at the highest level of football.