Suara.com – Jose Mourinho hopes AS Roma can continue the positive trend after picking up a 2-0 win over defending Serie A champions Napoli last weekend. For the Portuguese coach, this weekend’s victory is important to hinder Juventus’ ambitions in pursuing the title this season.
According to Mourinho, despite all the existing problems including Financial Fair Play restrictions, AS Roma has a great strength, namely the bond between players.
Photo uploaded by AS Roma manager, Jose Mourinho on his personal Instagram. (IG Jose Mourinho)
“We are united, we have a group of great players who always try to turn weaknesses into strengths and help each other,” said the Portuguese coach, quoted by ANTARA from AFP, Friday (29/12/2023).
Juventus could be seven points behind Inter Milan, who currently leads the standings, if Simone Inzaghi’s team beats Genoa.
Meanwhile, Roma’s victory over Juventus could keep their position firmly in the hunt for a place in next season’s Champions League. Currently Roma is in sixth place, three points adrift of fourth-placed team, Bologna.
Meanwhile, Bologna is believed to be able to beat Udinese, which is threatened with relegation, on Saturday (30/12/2023) morning local time.
Mourinho refused to comment on whether he had set targets for this season. He said he preferred to take decisions one by one, considering that his club has several players with complicated injury histories.
“If we can use all the players available for every game, I have no problem saying that we can compete with everyone, not for the title but for the top four,” said Mourinho.
“Unfortunately we are facing these difficulties, especially as Financial Fair Play restrictions are not an easy situation to handle. That is why I did not set a specific target,” he said.
Even so, Mourinho believes that the players at his club will do their best regardless of the existing problems.
Meanwhile, Juventus received support because Brazilian defender Gleison Bremer extended his contract until 2028. The 26 year old player feels he has developed a lot and is more comfortable in Italy.
“This year, things are going much better. I found comfort and I have learned from the mistakes made in the early days. Now I am very comfortable and more aware of my strengths and qualities,” said Bremer.
Nevertheless, Bremer said the match against Roma looked like it would be a difficult challenge.
“I know very well that it will not be easy for me to fight Romelu Lukaku. This will be a difficult challenge and I have to show my progress (skills),” he said.
Meanwhile, according to Bremer, even though he and his teammates are a confident team, they cannot deny that Inter is their tough rival.
“We know very well that we haven’t won anything. We are aware of Inter’s strength and our task is to stay at the top of the standings,” he said.
The Juventus vs AS Roma match will be held at the Allianz Stadium, Sunday (31/12/2023) early morning WIB.