)
The Portuguese manager said his team was fantastic but reserved special praise for one of his players who was sacrificed on the night.
AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho was full of praise for his team and coaching staff after their crucial win in the Europa League on Thursday.
Roma defeated Austrian side RB Salzburg 2-0 on the night in the second leg of the Europa League playoffs in Rome.
Two first-half goals from Andrea Belotti and Paulo Dybala proved decisive as the Italians came from a goal down in the first leg to snatch a 2-1 aggregate win over Salzburg.
A complete performance
After the game, former Manchester United and Chelsea boss, Mourinho, was a happy man as he went on to eulogise his players and staff.
According to the Portuguese coach, his team and coaches were fantastic following a complete performance at all levels against a Salzburg team he believes is packed with quality.
)
“It was a wonderful Roma that earned an important result, but also a complete performance on all levels. Once again, this was a team, a united group with solidarity, (and) empathy, I liked all of it,” Mourinho said per Football Italia.
“I also have to say my staff did a fantastic job. I always say the coaches take credit for the work done by the whole staff, and our analysts did a really exhaustive job helping us to prepare and be ready for this match.”
)
Special praise for El Shaarawy
While Roma scored their goals in a blistering first-half display in front of their home fans, Mourinho singled out Stephan El Shaarawy for praise.
The 30-year-old was a late substitute, coming on in the 90th minute to help the Giallorossi hold on to the lead and win after he dropped to the bench to accommodate Tammy Abraham who was passed fit to start the game with a mask.
Speaking on the impact of El Shaarawy, Mourinho added that the forward, who would have started, was sacrificed as he had no plan B on the bench.
“I want to thank El Shaarawy, who had to be sacrificed because he had to be my Plan B," Mourinho added.
)
"If he started, I did not have a Plan B. Tammy (Abraham) couldn’t play long, Solbakken was unavailable, so I needed him to come on and change the pace, provide dynamism and has been playing so well recently."
"I feel bad for him, but this shows how we work together. I explained it, he accepted, and I am so happy with this team spirit.'
Mourinho and Roma will switch focus to the draw for the Round of 16 on Friday with the Italians likely to get one of the Europa League group stage winners.
Related content
)
07:01 - 24.02.2023
UEL Who can Manchester United, Arsenal and Roma meet in the Europa League last 16?
The Red Devils and Jose Mourinho’s men have joined Arsenal in the Europa League round of 16 after winning their preliminary knockout games.
)
23:02 - 23.02.2023
UEL Mourinho works his magic as Roma beat Salzburg to reach Europa League last 16
Mourinho's tactical change helped his Roma side beat RB Salzburg to progress to the Europa League round of 16.
)
12:46 - 22.02.2023
BETTING TIPS Europa League playoff round betting tips, odds and accumulator
The second leg of the Europa League playoff round will see some teams make it into the round of 16, while other clubs exit the competition. We have brought you an accumulator from this round of fixtures.
)
22:52 - 19.02.2023
SERIE A Roma pick up slender victory against stubborn Verona
Roma bounce back from a poor result midweek in Europe with a narrow victory against Hellas Verona.
)
17:10 - 17.02.2023
SERIE A Preview: Sassuolo v Napoli leads game week 23
Sassuolo's clash against league leaders Napoli is the game of the round in Serie A this weekend.
)
20:50 - 16.02.2023
UEL Capaldo’s late goal gives Salzburg the edge against Mourinho’s Roma
The Argentine scored a late header to put the Austrian champions in the driving seat in their Europa League clash against AS Roma.
)
15:34 - 16.02.2023
SERIE A Dybala only wants to work under Mourinho despite Roma release clause
Dybala has enjoyed a superb season at Roma under Mourinho
)
20:11 - 11.02.2023
SERIE A Mourinho’s Roma slip-up against Lecce
I Giallorossi were left to rue numerous missed chances in their Serie A clash against Lecce on Saturday.
)
23:46 - 13.02.2023
TRANSFERS 'He would have reduced his salary for Milan or Tottenham' - Zaniolo's mother
Zaniolo's mother speaks on her son's transfer situation during the January transfer window.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)