Roma was a very difficult experience, but a gratifying one - Fonseca
Last night in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Europa League, Roma defeated their English rival Manchester United 3-2, but in aggregate, they lost 8-5 and failed to reach the final of the tournament.
“
I think we had a good first half in Manchester, so we lost the round, but did well over the two legs otherwise,”
Paulo Fonseca told Sky Sport Italia.
“I thought it was possible for us to reach the Final, even when we were paired with Manchester. It was possible, and we were in front at half-time at Old Trafford, but we got it wrong in the second half.
“It became very difficult to win 4-0 here, but we gave it our best and scored three goals this evening. Unfortunately, Manchester United made the most of all their chances.”
Last night in the match against Manchester United, Fonseca allowed Ebrima Darboe to play, which was the second professional appearance of the 19-year-old man.
“Ebrima had been training with us for some time and when Chris Smalling was injured, I looked to him. As soon as he came on, he looked like a seasoned professional, so he did a wonderful job and so did Zalewski.”
The last few days have been strange days for Roma's Portuguese coach, as it has been announced that he will be replaced by Jose Mourinho at the end of the season.
“I know Mourinho well, we are both Portuguese. He was very fair with me at this moment and we did talk. I really don’t think Mourinho needs my advice.
“It has been a great pleasure for me to be the Roma coach. It made me very proud to be part of Italian football. I learned so much and there are many positive things that I can look back on. It was a very difficult experience, but a very gratifying one.”
Is Fonseca interested in continuing to work in Serie A?
“I honestly don’t know. I really like being in Italy, I love Italian football, but it depends on the opportunities. We’ll see.”
Did Fonseca ever consider resigning?
“No, I am not someone who gives up. There were difficult moments, but I tried to focus on improving the team and continuing my work. It’s the easiest path, to leave this pressure behind and walk away, but I never considered it.”
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