Boniek on Roma: ‘Abraham a great coup’
Former Roma star Zibi Boniek believes the Giallorossi have ‘made a great coup’ by signing former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer.
The UEFA Vice-President spoke to Centro Suono Sport 101.5 about his former team and believes Jose Mourinho is the perfect fit for the current situation at the Olimpico.
“He’s a leader, he defends the spirit of the group,” Boniek said. “He created the group and it was not easy given the disappointment of last year.
“He is made for these things, he’s a positive character. The team with one or two signings could be even stronger.
“An alternative to [Bryan] Cristante would be needed, but I like Roma. [Eldor] Shomurodov is very strong, [Edin] Dzeko scored fewer goals than him last year.
“We need balance. I met [owner Dan] Friedkin in Switzerland and I told him that Roma must be in the Champions League.”
Mourinho’s men won two games against Trabzonspor in the play-offs for the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League.
Boniek believes La Lupa can go all the way in the new competition and stressed it will be ‘a big step forward’ for the club.
“First of all, Roma must go as far as possible,” Boniek added. “With Mourinho, Roma have acquired this international target and if they win the Conference League, then they will have taken a big step forward because winning is never easy.
“In the end you always meet a tough team that can give you problems and there are two or three of them.
“I think they have a chance and for me they are a favourite.”
Roma secured the services of Abraham towards the end of the transfer window, as the English centre-forward moved on a permanent deal to Rome from London.
The former Chelsea striker has started well at Roma and Boniek believes the Giallorossi management have made a ‘great coup’.
“I love him, and I have already spoken about him with some friends,” the former star continued. “Everyone speaks well of him as a footballer, for his individual technique.
“He knows how to do well, he’s complete. I see him very well; Roma have made a great coup.”
Roma have picked up four wins during Mourinho’s time with the club, including both their first matches in Serie A.
The Giallorossi continue with a home game against Sassuolo this weekend, but might have to cope without Nicolò Zaniolo.