SEVILLE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 04: Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho looks on before the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid at Estadio La Cartuja on September 04, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho made no secret of his love for former club Roma ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League return with Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico, insisting the Giallorossi are among the strongest teams in the world and suggesting a repeat of the competition’s quarter-finals.
Mourinho spoke at length about his relationship with Roma in his press conference on Tuesday night ahead of the Champions League round of 16 clash between the Giallorossi and Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday at 20.00 BST.
Mourinho’s press conference before the “Roma” – “Real Madrid” match
Mourinho already has He spoke fondly of his time with Rome in an interview with Corriere dello Sport earlier this week, but was asked a few more questions about the Giallorossi when he spoke to the press on Tuesday.
He revealed that he thinks Roma and Inter are the only contenders for the Serie A title in 2026-27 and that the Giallorossi are currently among the best teams in the world.
“We have to play very well,” Mourinho said (via TMW ).
“In the first two games we had to play against two of the strongest teams in the world, first Inter and now Roma. They are a strong and motivated team because they are back in the Champions League and they have a crowd that can win games. We have a strong opponent in front of us.
“It goes without saying, but without a doubt Roma and Inter are the strongest sides in the league. I have seen everything I need from Inter and Roma: They are the strongest. I am prepared, I feel good, I will definitely do my best for 90 minutes. Roma fans want to win it and so do I. Love is forgotten during the game.”
A reporter told Mourinho that a taxi driver told the people of Rome all about the way he won during his time in the Italian capital.
“Mind you, taxi drivers can also be Lazio fans,” Mourinho joked. “For me, the interest of the club, the fans and the team is in front of me. People appreciate that. Then if you continue to achieve something good, it’s even better.
“We didn’t win the Champions League, but we won the European Cup and reached the second European final. I don’t hide that Roma fans are special, everywhere we went they treated me well, they are special people.”
Mourinho explained that the fixture could be repeated later in the competition, potentially in the quarter-finals.
“It will be like any game. I have to forget where I am, who I am playing against. For me it will be another game. There is no pressure because it is the Champions League, I think Roma and Real Madrid will qualify. Maybe I will come back here later to play in the quarter-finals.”