AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho says he is not in touch with other sides and is only focused on his side ahead of the European final.
The Portuguese has led the Il Gallarossi to their second successive European final and could now write his name further in the club’s history books.
Jose Mourinho has never lost a European final but faces a tough task this time around as his side clashes with six-time champions Sevilla in Wednesday’s final in Budapest.
Away from the European final though, there is talk about Mourinho’s future as the Portuguese has one year left on his contract with Roma. As a result, he has been linked with a move to the likes of PSG and former club Real Madrid.
Mourinho recently denied any such links to PSG and has now reiterated that his current focus is only with Roma.
Mourinho only focused on Roma job
“I have zero contact with other clubs, really,” Mourinho said. “I think about tomorrow and what we want to do, because we want to play.”
Mourinho led Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League title last season, his fifth European crown but faces a resolute Sevilla side standing in his way to claim a sixth.
“History does not play,” Mourinho said. “My colleague [Sevilla coach Jose Luis Mendilibar] thinks differently, I have respect for him. He believes history makes Sevilla favourites; I respect that. We are in the final because we deserve it, they have a history that we don’t have.
“For them playing a Europa League final is a normal thing, for us it is an extraordinary event. For their fans traveling to a final, it’s like going away in the league, for ours it will be unforgettable.
“The Sevilla players have more experience, but we’ve been playing together for two years.”
Mourinho has however declared that his side are ready to put out a fierce battle.
“We played 14 games to get here, we deserve it,” he said. “In the last few days, we have worked to be in a position to fight for the title.”
Sevilla coach says his side must avoid mistakes
Sevilla coach Mendilibar will take charge of his first European final.
The 62-year-old took over as Sevilla manager in March following Jorge Sampaoli’s sacking. His current contract expires in June.
“This is my first final, unlike my club, the rival and Mourinho,” Mendilibar said. “The team that makes the least mistakes will win. We know how they are going to play and how we are going to play. Our idea is clear, and we are not going to change it.”
Speaking about his future next season, he said: “I’m not worried in the least about my future. I signed a contract until June. I’m calm, I came from unemployment to Sevilla.”
