José Mourinho has received “endless enthusiasm” from the Roma faithful since his appointment as manager, according to Italian football writer Nicky Bandini.
Mourinho took the helm at the Serie A side in May, signing a three-year deal with Lupetti.
Ahead of Roma’s opening league clash against Fiorentina on Sunday, Bandini reports that the arrival of Mourinho has generated considerable optimism in the Italian capital.
Bandini joined Will O’Callaghan on Thursday’s Off The Ball and explained the reasons behind the buzz.
“The reception for Mourinho has been endless enthusiasm in Rome, so much excitement for his appointment," Bandini said.
“He is frozen in time for many people in Italy as the person who won the treble in Inter rather than the person who has gone through spells at Manchester United and Tottenham that didn’t really work out.”
“His brand is still very, very strong in Italy and I think that Roma, who have been through a few difficult years themselves - it’s not that long ago since they were coming second in the table quite consistently - I think he has brought out a lot of enthusiasm there, especially with Tammy Abraham arriving as well.”
Indeed, Bandini believes Abraham could really thrive in the giallorossa: “I think Tammy Abraham has a really good chance to be a big hit in Italy.”
“Roma have not had a striker in that mould in years - someone who is going to play on the shoulder of defenders and try to find space in behind.”
“I know it’s a cliché, but there is some truth to the idea that Serie A is a slower league, that there isn’t this abundance of pace that you see in other leagues.”
“I think his explosiveness and that intent in his game to find those spaces: it exists [in Serie A], but not to the same degree as in other leagues, so I think he will be a fun dynamic to watch at Roma this season.”
"We gave away four terrible goals" | Stephen Bradley on Shamrock Rovers' European loss
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
