The Europa League draw is of “super quality”, says Jose Mourinho, who considers Real Sociedad particularly tough opponents.
Jose Mourinho has conceded it is difficult to find Real Sociedad’s weaknesses as Roma prepare for the first leg of their last-16 tie in the “super quality” Europa League.
Roma coach Mourinho won the Europa League twice with Porto and Manchester United and led the Giallorossi to the Conference League title last season.
The Serie A side are enjoying another good season, fourth in the league and advanced past Salzburg in the previous round in Europe.
Now Roma face La Real in UEFA competition for the first time, with the first leg taking place at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mourinho said of Roma’s opponents: “They are an excellent team and it is difficult to find their weaknesses. They have a very good coach and the team is doing very well.”
“They are organized both defensively and offensively, with technically very good players.
“They are fourth [in LaLiga] behind the three giants who are always there; they are a really quality team and you can’t say we got lucky in the draw.”
Roma and La Real have been joined by United, Arsenal and Juventus in the last 16 years.
Mourinho added: “This year the Europa League is super quality, a tough game, but they look at us with the same respect as we look at them.”
The LaLiga side boast some quality players in their ranks, including David Silva, sought-after midfielder Martin Zubimendi and talented winger Mikel Oyarzabal.
When asked about Oyarzabal, Mourinho wanted to focus more on the team.
“He is very good, but Real Sociedad is much more than him,” Mourinho said. “Even from an individual point of view, they also have other players of the highest level.
“But the most important thing is how they play as a team, they are very organized.
