Mourinho: ‘Result most important thing for Roma’
Jose Mourinho insists ‘all coaches want to play good football, but the result is the most important thing’ as Roma take on Empoli tomorrow.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Following a 3-2 Derby della Capitale defeat to rivals Lazio, the coach was asked if football should focus more on attacking and entertaining approaches or just getting old-school results?
“The result is always the most important thing,” replied Mourinho. “If you play attacking football and lose 5-4, then it’s better to just get a 0-0 and pick up a point.
“It’s impossible to be top of the table unless you are a balanced and complete team. All coaches want to play good football, but I am above all focused on the result. It is possible to do both, but the result is more important.
“The fundamental thing in football is to defend well. We want a team that creates chances, but also defends well. We lost our last two away games despite scoring two goals, and that is a bad sign. Conceding six goals in two games is too many.
“It’s important to be wary of Empoli, because we know their qualities and they are the team who put in the most crosses during these opening six Serie A games.”
Mourinho was asked if the pressure was increasing on Roma after some disappointing results, having started so strong in Serie A and the Conference League.
“I can only thank the fans for all their support shown towards the team and to me. That is a clear show of what being a Romanista means. It’s easy to support a team that always wins. We lost two games, but had the right attitude, hunger, quality and effort. A fan can sense that.
“The fans also know we are at the start of this process and it will take time.”
There was good news today, as Lorenzo Pellegrini officially extended his contract to June 2026.
“From the moment I heard the club didn’t want to lose a player like him, a Roman born and bred, and that Lorenzo told me he would stay, I was always confident. We knew how this was going to end and in my view it’s the right decision for all parties.”