Gasperini: Admiring Mourinho’s Transfer Magic, But Roma Fans Will Back Their Team

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | As Roma prepare to host Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Champions League league phase clash at the Stadio Olimpico, coach Gian Piero Gasperini has shared his thoughts on the return of José Mourinho to the Italian capital. In a pre-match press conference, Gasperini expressed admiration for one of Mourinho’s standout qualities, saying, ‘Gasperini I admire one thing about Mourinho but Roma fans will support their team.’ The Portuguese tactician, who was abruptly sacked in January 2024, will receive a warm welcome from the Giallorossi faithful, but Gasperini is confident that once the whistle blows, all focus will shift to supporting the home side.

Mourinho’s tenure at Roma was marked by significant success, including winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 and reaching the Europa League final the following season. His connection with the fans remains strong, and Gasperini acknowledged that the reception will be fitting. ‘Rightly so, because there surely was love for Mourinho from our fans, so he’ll deserve all the recognition he’ll receive,’ Gasperini said. ‘Those are things people feel, and you can’t stop them. At the same time, I’m convinced that when the game begins, all emotions will be set aside and people will support Roma exclusively.’

When asked about the specific trait he admires in Mourinho, Gasperini pointed to the Portuguese’s ability to persuade clubs to invest in top talent. ‘Results speak for José. He’s one of the most successful coaches,’ Gasperini noted. ‘If I had to take one thing, it would be his ability to persuade clubs to buy extraordinary players and spend large sums of money; that is extraordinary.’ He even joked about Real Madrid’s recent signing of Diomande, saying with a smile, ‘They signed Diomande for that money. Well done, great José!’ This admiration, however, does not overshadow Gasperini’s focus on the task at hand, as he reiterated that ‘Gasperini I admire one thing about Mourinho but Roma fans will support their team’ remains a sentiment that underscores the respect between the two coaches.

Turning to the match itself, Gasperini emphasized that his team will not deviate from their established philosophy. ‘Our attitude led us to play these types of matches and finish third last year,’ he said. ‘We have characteristics we don’t change. We know Real’s value, but they aren’t the first valuable team we meet. It doesn’t take them much to create dangerous situations, but that’s part of what makes great teams great. I don’t think Roma’s characteristics should be distorted.’

Real Madrid, under new management and with a revised formation, may need time to gel, according to Gasperini. ‘They have tremendous resources, and I believe that, with time, they can only improve. They remain an extremely dangerous team, capable of winning every match. In terms of the aesthetic quality of their football, they certainly have room for improvement.’ Despite Real’s pedigree, Gasperini sees this as an opportunity for his side to measure their competitiveness against elite opposition.

The Roma coach also reflected on the differences between his current squad and the one Mourinho managed. ‘Those are two different teams. That was a Roma side with new ownership, a strong presence, and heavy spending,’ Gasperini explained. ‘This is a developing team that is very tough. We are a confident team that qualified for the Champions League, which provided important resources. It’s a bit difficult to have Real Madrid as a benchmark. In what they represent globally, they are the club with the most titles and the most fans worldwide. So, this isn’t the comparison we should focus on; it’s what happens on the pitch.’

Gasperini’s side has already shown promise in Europe, earning a 1-1 draw away at Fenerbahce in their opening league phase match. Real Madrid, meanwhile, defeated Roma’s domestic rivals Inter, showcasing their formidable strength. The Italian coach knows that his team must be at their best to compete. ‘We recently played Inter and Como, two of Italy’s best teams, and now we face one of the best in Europe and the world. Our target is to measure ourselves against them to understand how competitive we can be.’

As the anticipation builds for Mourinho’s return, Gasperini’s words reflect a balance of respect and determination. He admires Mourinho’s knack for securing world-class signings, but his primary focus is on guiding Roma to a positive result. The Roma fans, known for their passionate support, are expected to give Mourinho a hero’s welcome, yet Gasperini trusts that their loyalty will ultimately lie with the team. ‘Gasperini I admire one thing about Mourinho but Roma fans will support their team’ is more than just a statement; it’s a testament to the unique dynamic of football, where admiration for a former coach coexists with unwavering support for the current squad.

In conclusion, as Roma and Real Madrid prepare to lock horns at the Olimpico, the spotlight will briefly shine on Mourinho’s emotional return. However, Gasperini’s remarks make it clear that the Giallorossi’s focus is squarely on the match. With a blend of respect for the past and ambition for the future, Roma aim to prove their mettle against one of Europe’s giants. The fans, while appreciative of Mourinho’s contributions, will undoubtedly rally behind Gasperini and his players, embodying the spirit of ‘Gasperini I admire one thing about Mourinho but Roma fans will support their team.’