UEFA Europa League Preview: Mourinho Confident in Reduced Roster Against Tough Slavia Prague Side
Wednesday, 27 November 2024 19:30
Ahead of their crucial fifth-week UEFA Europa League clash against Czech powerhouse Slavia Prague, manager Jose Mourinho expressed confidence in his injury-stricken squad, emphasizing their determination even with a limited roster. The match, scheduled for Thursday at the iconic Eden Arena, promises to be a tough test for the visiting team.
Speaking to journalists, Mourinho acknowledged the formidable nature of their opponent: “They are a very good team. They are comfortable, especially at home. They’ve been playing the same game for years, they’re strong and pacey. They are not an easy team to face, and it’s a tough opponent for us, I don’t need to [highlight] that.”
He further praised the work of Slavia Prague’s coach, saying, “He’s doing a drugstore job. He’s settled the team and adapted his players to his way of thinking. They will be champions this season without any problem.”
Midfielder Fred, who will line up alongside his teammates, echoed Mourinho’s sentiments: “We know it will be a difficult match, we need to get points. We will play to win against a difficult team.”
Mourinho further elaborated on the team’s preparation for the encounter, stressing their commitment despite the challenges they face:
“Many of my players are missing, not only Amrabat. The players we couldn’t register for the UEFA list are not here, but we also have others who are suspended and injured. We’ve come here with a limited squad, but as Fred said, we came here to get results.”
Despite the absences, a determined Mourinho remained optimistic: “We need to look at this situation with a smile and positively. I am sure that my players will give everything they have, I trust them in this regard.”
Focusing on the team’s spirit, Mourinho underlined: “For me, the team is more important than the individual player. They are doing a great job.”
The substitutes available fresh and ready might work to Mourinho’s advantage, as he commented, “We came here with 15 players excluding the goalkeepers, there are already 10 players on the field, so there are 5 players I can put into the game. We won’t have any problems making substitutions.”
Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen, will be looking to utilize his resources effectively and surprise Slavia Prague.
The anticipation for the UEFA Europa League clash is palpable. Can Mourinho’s depleted squad overcome Slavia Prague’s home advantage and secure crucial points? Only time will tell.
What are Jose Mourinho’s thoughts on the strength of Slavia Prague?
## Interview: Mourinho Ready for Slavia Prague Challenge
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Joining us today is our football correspondent, Sarah Jones, to discuss AS Roma’s upcoming Europa League clash against Slavia Prague. Sarah, thanks for being here.
**Sarah:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** So, Jose Mourinho is known for his fiery personality and winning mentality, but with a depleted squad facing a tough opponent, how confident is he going into this match against Slavia Prague?
**Sarah:** Despite a number of injury concerns, Mourinho remains confident. He’s publicly praised Slavia Prague’s strengths, acknowledging their home advantage and their consistent tactical approach over the years. He’s clearly aware it’ll be a tough challenge for his team, but he also emphasized the determination within his squad to overcome these obstacles.
**Host:** That’s interesting. He seems to be walking a fine line between respecting his opponents while also instilling confidence in his own players.
**Sarah:** Absolutely. He knows that Slavia Prague are a formidable opponent, especially at home in the Eden Arena. However, he’s also sending a clear message to his players that they are capable of rising to the challenge, even with a reduced roster. It’ll be fascinating to see how this strategic maneuvering plays out on the pitch.
**Host:** Will the absence of key players significantly impact Roma’s performance?
**Sarah:** [Pause] It’s tricky to say for sure. While the injuries obviously pose a challenge, Mourinho is a master tactician known for adapting his strategies to the players available. He might surprise us with some tactical innovations to compensate for the absences.
**Host:** This is undoubtedly a crucial match for both teams.
**Sarah:** Absolutely. It’s the fifth week of the Europa League, and both teams are vying for a good position in the group. A win for Roma would be a significant boost, while Slavia Prague will be looking to maintain their strong home record. It promises to be a tense and exciting encounter.
**Host:** Well, we can’t wait to see it! Thanks so much for joining us, Sarah, and providing these insightful perspectives.
**Sarah:** My pleasure!
