Jose Mourinho has voiced strong opinions on Italy’s chances at Euro 2024 and his time at Roma and Tottenham, stating that neither club “played to win.”
The outspoken coach, now leading Fenerbahce, shared his views in an interview with RTP.
Mourinho was dismissed by Roma in mid-January after winning the Conference League and reaching the Europa League Final but failing to secure a Champions League spot.
Voicing his frustration in the interview, he said: “At Roma, I didn’t play to win. You always have to say that you play to win, but it’s not true.
“It wasn’t true and nothing changed after I left.”
The former Tottenham manager expressed similar sentiments about his tenure in North London.
“I missed playing to win, training to win,” he said. “I missed that at Roma, I missed it at Tottenham, and I miss playing to win.”
Although Roma managed to finish sixth in Serie A, securing a Europa League qualification spot, they failed to pick a Champions League spot, even after Mourinho’s departure.
Reflecting on his new challenge at Fenerbahce, he stated, “I am motivated by challenging to win a league title, and I missed that at Roma and Tottenham.”
Turning his attention to the international stage, Mourinho was skeptical about Italy’s prospects at EURO 2024, where they will defend their title.
“I don’t believe it, no. They don’t have a very talented squad and I don’t believe they will win again.
“I think practically everyone sees it the same way, it’s Portugal, England, France, then further back Germany and Spain,”he added when asked his favourites.
