Gasperini: We are going through a good period, and this is what I like about Mourinho

Gian Piero Gasperini, the head coach of AS Roma, has confirmed that his team's fans will support the club during their match against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, despite the expected warm reception for Portuguese manager José Mourinho. He praised Mourinho's ability to convince clubs to sign exceptional players and spend large amounts of money.

AS Roma will face Real Madrid tomorrow at the Stadio Olimpico in the second round of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, marking Mourinho's return to the Italian capital after his dismissal from AS Roma in January 2024.

Real Madrid won against Inter in the first round, while AS Roma drew 1-1 against Fenerbahçe away.

Gasperini stated during the press conference before the match: "We are going through a good period, and we want to test ourselves against a top European team, even if they need some time to reach their level. They have already beaten Inter; it is a prestigious and important match in the standings."

Regarding the possibility of changing AS Roma's style against an opponent the size of Real Madrid, he clarified: "Our style is what has led us to play such matches and finish in third place last year."

He added: "We have characteristics that we do not change, we know the value of Real Madrid, but they are not the first big team we face, they do not need much to create dangerous situations, and that is part of what makes big teams special, I don't think we need to change the characteristics of AS Roma."

The AS Roma coach stated: "Real Madrid may need to play more matches to reach their level, as they have changed their style of play and coach. They have immense potential, and I believe they will improve over time. They remain a very dangerous team capable of winning every match, and aesthetically, they still have room for development."

Gasperini spoke about the expected reception for the Portuguese coach: "This is deserved, as our fans certainly loved Mourinho, and he will deserve all the appreciation he will receive."

He added: "These are things that people feel and you cannot prevent them from feeling, at the same time, I am convinced that once the match kicks off, all emotions will be set aside, and the fans will support AS Roma alone."

Speaking about Mourinho and his coaching successes, Gasperini said: "His results speak for him, he is one of the most successful coaches."

When asked about what he likes most about the Portuguese manager, he replied: "If I had to choose one thing, it would be his ability to convince clubs to buy exceptional players and spend large amounts of money; that is an exceptional ability."

He added: "He is very good in other aspects as well, and his results speak for that, but that remains a great ability."

Speaking about the difference between the current AS Roma and the team that Mourinho managed, Gasperini said: "They are two different teams, that was a team owned by new owners, with a strong presence and significant spending."

He added: "As for this team, it is in a development phase, but it has great solidity. We are a team confident in ourselves, and we have qualified for the UEFA Champions League, which has provided us with important resources."

AS Roma's coach concluded by stating: "It is difficult to use Real Madrid as a benchmark for comparison, in terms of its global standing, as it is the most decorated club and has the largest fanbase in the world."