Europa League: Master Mourinho gives credit to players’ after beating pupil Alonso
Bove fired in the rebound from a save on Tammy Abraham to give Roma a 1-0 lead ahead of the second leg
Controversial coach Jose Mourinho is full of praise for his Roma players and particularly goal-scorer Edoardo Bove after the semi-final win over Bayer Leverkusen. ‘It is all credit to the lads, their mentality, desire and sense of responsibility.’
The Giallorossi have an excellent first-leg result going into the trip to Germany, as Bove fired in the rebound from a save on Tammy Abraham to give them the 1-0 lead.
Bryan Cristante was also decisive in stoppages, making the goal-line clearance in stoppages on Jeremie Frimpong after a Rui Patricio howler.
“It is all credit to the lads. They have this mentality, this desire, this empathy with the fans, this sense of responsibility to give everything and make the supporters happy,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.
Hundreds of fans crowded around the Stadio Olimpico to welcome the team bus with flares, fireworks and flags as they drove in for the match.“We had great moments, but today going from Trigoria to the stadium, seeing the fans and what they were doing for us. Even someone like me who has a lot of experience under his belt, that hits you.
“It was not an easy game today, intellectually it was a very difficult match. It is tough to play against Bayer Leverkusen, to remain concentrated for 90 minutes, to play to win and at the same time know losing the ball can be devastating on the counter. The lads did so well to win this first half of the tie.”
Bove is a 21-year-old youth team player who scored his first European goal , but was only starting because of the huge injury crisis at the club.
“Edo’s parents deserve the credit, not me. He is extremely polite, academically smart, a professional who acts like he is 30 years old. Last season he would come on five minutes from the end, this year 30, even starting a few games, has improved his emotional control in the match.
“This is my job, to help players to grow, but I also know that in order to be such a good person, he really must have a wonderful family behind him.”
Paulo Dybala and Gini Wijnaldum came on for the final stages, as they were in no way fit enough to start the match.
“It’s tough for me, tough for everyone, the fear of getting hurt and also the necessity to use them as an option. It was really, really difficult. Fortunately, they played a few minutes, I think without damaging consequences, we’ll see if they can play more minutes next Thursday.”
