Jose Mourinho recognizes Real Betis as a candidate to win the Europa League. However, coach AS Roma it’s a reminder that the sharks who fail in the Champions League are coming soon.
Roma are currently in third place in Group C of the Europa League after a 1-1 draw at Real Betis. The Giallorossi have just four points, losing three to Ludogorets and six to Real Betis.
Opportunity allows AS Roma currently is seizing the second position. This will put Mourinho’s men into the play-offs, while the group winners qualify directly for the round of 16.
Asked in his post-match press conference against Real Betis, Mourinho was asked if Real Betis were candidates for the title. The man from Portugal said there was a shark from the Champions League coming soon.
“I see them (Betis) as candidates, but the sharks who failed in the Champions League will arrive, and they will come with hard work. It will be fun,” Mourinho said as quoted by Football Italia.
Barcelona are currently third in the Champions League group behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. Juventus could also be thrown into the Europa League because they only have three points and are five points behind other rivals.
The team that finished third in the Europa League group relegated to the UEFA Conference League, facing a play-off with the team that finished second. Roma were the defending champions in the UEFA Conference League last season.
“We want to qualify and finish second, but if we finish third, we will be candidates to defend the Conference League.”
(ran/krs)
