Mourinho: Returning to Roma as an "enemy" will be even better

Ahead of Real Madrid's away match against Roma in the second round of the Champions League, head coach Mourinho spoke with Sky Sport Italia.

How does it feel to return to Stadio Olimpico? While the real emotional impact won't come until tomorrow's match, we can already feel the enthusiasm and the desire of everyone in the city to celebrate you, greet you, and bid you farewell...

It's the same for me. However, coming here as an "enemy" is actually even better. Because during the 90 minutes of the match, Roma fans will firmly support Roma, and I will be on Real Madrid's side. Of course, for us, the concept of "enemy" doesn't exist, but we are indeed opponents on the field for 90 minutes. If, before the match starts, everyone wants to give me a special greeting and tribute, I would also very much like to embrace all Roma fans. Let's see what happens then.

Your last Serie A match was also here, against Gasperini's Atalanta. You didn't get a chance to officially say goodbye to your fans then, so perhaps this is a story that didn't end as perfectly as you wished...

But what can we do? This is life, this is football. However, this might be an opportunity—an opportunity to personally re-experience the love and support people have for me. I will definitely try to restrain and control my emotions, but perhaps I won't be able to fully control them, and people can understand the deep affection I have for them. Nevertheless, ultimately, during these 90 minutes, they want to win, and I also want to win.

The fans know you very well, and they know your personality. Gasperini once mentioned that he envies your ability to make such large-scale transfers and market operations. You both have won the hearts of Roma fans in different ways, so conversely, is there anything you envy about Gasperini? Or do you have anything in common with him?

No, I don't envy him. I respect him greatly. I think he is a significant coach in Italian football, a coach who has been doing excellent and important work for many years, nothing more.

From a tactical perspective, Pep Guardiola once said that playing against Gasperini's team is like a difficult and painful trip to the dentist. What kind of team do you expect to face tomorrow?

We have thoroughly prepared for Roma's basic tactical principles based on their performance in all their previous matches, which we have been closely observing and studying. However, they might also make some different changes and adjustments, because they know very well that the players in white shirts are definitely not an easy team to deal with. We are also prepared to respond to any different changes and unexpected situations at any time. But ultimately, the most important thing is what we ourselves want to play and show on the field.

One last question: do you expect to see a determined, eager Vinicius who wants to play a decisive role again? Just like the Vinicius we've known in the Champions League before...

I said a few days ago—I don't know if everyone here in Italy heard it—that when I mentioned it pained me to see Vinicius in his current situation, it was because in everyday life, this kid has always been very cheerful and happy, a young man who works and trains extremely hard. But this season, he hasn't found the joy of playing decisive roles in critical moments. Let's see what happens in the upcoming Champions League matches, because he might face a ban in the domestic league. Let's see if he can rediscover his true self.

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