Series A
Mourinho reveals he rejected three offers for Roma: ‘My honesty ends here’

José Mourinho claims he snubbed three presents since signing for Roma and divulges Gianluca Mancini will begin in opposition to Napoli regardless of coaching solely as soon as with the workforce this week.
The Giallorossi host the defending Serie A champions on the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow. Napoli just lately misplaced 4-0 in opposition to Frosinone in Coppa Italia and are simply two factors above the Giallorossi within the Serie A desk.
“They’re the defending champions, they clearly deserved to win final season. They’ve misplaced a participant [Kim] however nonetheless have many,” Mourinho mentioned at a press convention.
“They misplaced a superb coach, however they’ve one other one with nice expertise in Serie A who is aware of Napoli nicely. Outcomes have been totally different, however they’ve the identical gamers and the identical potential. They’ve many options. Napoli are Napoli.”
Mourinho mentioned final week that he’s open to staying at Roma, extending a contract which presently expires in June 2024.
“Any individual had doubts about my place, however I mentioned my stance clearly, and my goal is to not go away doubts about it,” he insisted.
“So there isn’t even a cause to speak about it. It’s all clear and goal. To me, that is the state of affairs. I’ve at all times been direct and clear because the starting.
“One week after signing for Roma, I acquired a improbable provide. I took the knowledge truthfully however didn’t settle for it as a result of I had an settlement with Roma. After profitable the Convention in December, there was Portugal and you understand about it. I might work with the very best gamers on this planet and have an opportunity to win the Euros and the World Cup.
“I spoke to the membership, but it surely was essential to remain for them, so I stayed. After the Budapest Last, I knowledgeable the house owners concerning the state of affairs in Arabia, however I made a decision in opposition to it. Now, my honesty ends right here. What else to say? I’d like to remain and combat with all of the difficulties, with all of the situations, with all of the optimistic issues, however that is my stance, and there aren’t any doubts. I not wish to speak about this example anymore.”
A number of sources in Italy, together with Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport, declare Roma are in no hurry to supply Mourinho a brand new contract as house owners wish to see leads to the second a part of the season.
Tomorrow’s sport between Napoli and Roma can also be a gathering between Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku, two of the very best strikers within the league.
“They’re two wonderful strikers. One hyperlinks up extra together with his teammates, the opposite is extra direct. They’re nice strikers and Serie A have to be comfortable to have them each as a result of they may play in any high league,” mentioned Mourinho.
Was Didier Drogba higher than them?
“He was totally different. They’re all totally different gamers. It’s arduous to check them. I by no means appreciated it. Osimhen is the very best African participant, Didier was the very best African participant for a few years. Lukaku’s dad and mom are African, however he’s European, so he isn’t within the dialog, however he nonetheless is among the many finest strikers on this planet. We’re speaking about high gamers.”
How about Roma accidents? Chris Smalling remains to be out of motion and so is Marash Kumbulla, whereas Mancini barely skilled with the workforce this week.
“Kumbulla nonetheless not prepared. He’s doing nicely, however he’s drained; he wanted to relaxation immediately; possibly he can go on the bench within the subsequent sport [against Juventus],” mentioned Mourinho.
“Paulo [Dybala] is doing nicely, he’s inside the timeframe we anticipated. In fact tomorrow he’s out. Mancini skilled for the primary time immediately this week, however he’ll play tomorrow. He’s a kind of gamers who performs until he has a triple fracture. The workforce wants him, so he performs.”
Mourinho additionally spoke concerning the Tremendous League, saying that he shares the membership’s stance, however he refused to analyse the matter publicly.