Roma Players Eager to Face Mourinho’s Real Madrid in Champions League Draw
Sky Sport Italia reports that AS Roma players express a keen interest in facing José Mourinho’s Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in the forthcoming Champions League group stage. This enthusiasm stems from the strong connection the Portuguese coach established with the team and its supporters during his tenure.
Many Roma players, particularly those with significant experience, would welcome the chance to reunite with Mourinho, who previously managed them, according to Sky Sport.
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Mario Hermoso during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on August 24, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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Before today’s group draw, which is set to commence at 18:00 CET, reporter Angelo Mangiante from Trigoria spoke with several players, many of whom expressed they would be “intrigued” to face Mourinho at the Olimpico.
It’s been since the 2018-19 season that Roma last participated in the Champions League. However, due to their favorable performance in recent European competitions, they now find themselves in pot 2. During Mourinho’s tenure, the Giallorossi clinched the Conference League title in 2021-22 and reached the Europa League Final the following year.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – MAY 31: Referee Anthony Taylor looks on with Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, during the UEFA Europa League 2022/23 final match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at Puskas Arena on May 31, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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Mourinho has made a lasting impression at the Olimpico, with most Roma fans still holding him in high regard. As a result, the players, particularly those with more tenure on the team, are excited about the possibility of reuniting with the Special One on home soil during the Champions League.
In the upcoming draw, Roma will be matched with two clubs from pot 1, which includes notable teams such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter, Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
After being sacked abruptly in January 2014 without the chance to bid farewell to fans, some of the Giallorossi players are hopeful that they can cross paths with Mourinho again in the Champions League stage.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Roma players would be ‘intrigued’ by the prospect of facing José Mourinho’s Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in the Champions League, given the strong bond the Portuguese built with them and the fans.
Several Roma players, especially some of the most experienced in the dressing room, would love to reunite with their ex-coach Mourinho in the Champions League group stage, reports Sky Sport.
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Mario Hermoso during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on August 24, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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Reporter Angelo Mangiante from Trigoria spoke to a few Roma players before today’s draw, starting at 18:00 CET, and reported live on TV that many of them would be “intrigued” to meet Mourinho at the Olimpico.
Roma haven’t played in the Champions League since 2018-19, but are in pot 2 thanks to their positive results in European competitions in recent years. Under Mourinho, the Giallorossi won the Conference League in 2021-22 and reached the Europa League Final the following season.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – MAY 31: Referee Anthony Taylor looks on with Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, during the UEFA Europa League 2022/23 final match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at Puskas Arena on May 31, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
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Mourinho left a strong mark at the Olimpico and among most of Roma fans, so the players, especially the most experienced ones, will be fascinated to reunite with Mou in Rome.
Roma will be drawn with two clubs from pot 1, which, besides Real Madrid, also includes Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter, Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Mourinho was suddenly sacked by Roma in January 2014 without even having the chance to say goodbye to the fans, and this is a reason why some Giallorossi stars hope to reunite with the Special One in the Champions League.
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