Jose Mourinho believes Juventus are “just as likely to win the Champions League as go out” to Atletico Madrid, while one of Inter, Napoli, Chelsea, Lazio and Sevilla “must win the Europa League.”
Jose Mourinho believes Juventus are “just as likely to win the Champions League as go out” to Atletico Madrid, while one of Inter, Napoli, Chelsea, Lazio and Sevilla “must win the Europa League.”
“I think Juventus can win the Champions League, especially as they have a decisive player like Cristiano Ronaldo and are so hungry for the trophy, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they went out to Atletico Madrid, because that is a team with a lot of ambition,” Mourinho told TeleRadioStereo.
“Atletico Madrid invested heavily to ensure they’d play the Final in their own stadium. They might not look like they are playing good football, but we all know full well how Diego Simeone sees it.
“He has talented strikers who can make the difference and that is why I think Juve are just as likely to win the Champions League as go out before the quarter-finals.”
Roma earned a 2-1 first leg win over FC Porto, but Mourinho trusts his former club can go through.
“Porto’s away goal was fundamental, as this is a team with Sergio Conceicao’s experience of Italian football, it’s a tactically-astute side, tough to beat and solid in defence with a strong mentality.
“I don’t see Roma being particularly solid at the back and don’t think they’d be capable of a 0-0 draw in Portugal, so they need to score in the second leg. I can see a very balanced game, but not a goalless one.”
Lazio visit Sevilla in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 32, having lost the first 1-0 at home, while Inter and Napoli both dropped down from the Champions League.
“When a squad was built for the Champions League and takes part in the Europa League, then it must aim for victory. That was the race won by my Manchester United.
“Therefore, Inter must do the same, just like Napoli, Chelsea and whoever goes through between Lazio and Sevilla.
“I believe the trophy must be won by one of these sides.”