Roma’s Mourinho praises Zaniolo and Pellegrini

As many players are on international duty and due to the upcoming European games, many clubs are having a hard time selecting a starting line-up.

“

It has been a problem for many years and it’s difficult to find a solution, so I decided some time ago not to waste time or energy on things I cannot control,”

said Mou in his press conference.

“I’ve decided not to cry over spilt milk and to be positive instead.”

Following his return from South America, Matias Vina is a doubt for

Jose Mourinho

, but the Portuguese tactician insisted that Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling,

Zaniolo

and

Lorenzo Pellegrini

are prepared to feature for

against

on Sunday.

Zaniolo featured for Italy and due to a thigh injury he suffered from in the game against Lithuania he had to be drawn out and he is trying to recover after sustaining two big knee injuries in one year.

“The club was cautious with Zaniolo last season and he waited with great maturity. His recovery had to take into account both the physical and psychological scars, but he has now completely forgotten those problems and has faith in his body.

“Don’t forget, Nicolò is two years older than he was before the injuries, so that’s time taken also for a young man to think and mature. I would be a terrible coach if I had nothing to teach a 22-year-old. He seems super-professional and I had heard about him as quite an immature lad, but that’s not what I have found working with him.

“I don’t like comparing Zaniolo to players of the past, but I can say there are few out there with this amount of potential.”

The Roma boss also hailed Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is negotiating with the club over a new deal.

“There’s no issue here, I want him, Roma want him and he wants to stay with us too. If his agent doesn’t work out a deal, I will publish his address and we’ll all march under his house to protest! Kidding aside, Pellegrini is happy with the project and will be our captain for many years.”

Tammy Abraham

proved himself worthy at Roma immediately and Mourinho did not expect that.

“There are always some small doubts for players who are born in and grow up in England. They rarely leave and struggle to adapt to foreign countries, but my doubts have already been resolved. He is perfectly settled in both on and off the pitch.”

The Giallorossi began their campaign strongly as they had victories in Serie A and the UEFA Europa Conference League.

“

I

<em>

want to win and I read Max Allegri speak about the value of each point. We cannot forget that we’re a different team to Juventus, Inter and even Atalanta. They are already consolidated teams

with a

perfectly-defined ambition, whereas we are still finding our way.

“I am happy we won our opening games, but I don’t think we’re already fantastic.”

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