José Mourinho has added another chapter to his already impressive European record, as he guides Roma to the Europa League final, keeping his unbeaten record alive. The Italian team managed to hold Bayer Leverkusen to a goalless draw, securing a 1-0 aggregate victory in the semifinal. This marks the fifth European final victory for Mourinho, who has won all five finals his teams have appeared in.
Despite all of his previous successes, Mourinho was still emotional after the match, shedding tears of joy as he celebrated the victory. However, the Portuguese coach was quick to deflect any personal praise, instead focusing on the achievements of his players and the support of the Roma fans. He stated that his primary concern was to help the team grow and achieve important things.
Roma entered the match with a 1-0 lead from the first leg, but they were forced to defend for much of the game as Leverkusen dominated possession, and created 23 shots compared to Roma's one. However, the Giallorossi's defense held firm, frustrating the German team's attacking efforts. Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby came closest to scoring, hitting the crossbar with a well-placed effort.
Roma will now face Sevilla in the Europa League final on May 31 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. Sevilla has won all six of its previous Europa League finals, making them a formidable opponent for Mourinho's team. A victory for Roma would secure a spot in next season's Champions League, which would be a significant achievement given their current position in Serie A.
Despite rumors linking Mourinho with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, the coach has brushed off the speculation, stating that he has not been contacted by the club. However, football journalist James Horncastle suggests that Mourinho may be tempted to seek out another big job if Roma fail to qualify for the Champions League. Horncastle suggests that Mourinho is someone who wants to win wherever he goes, and that he would be looking for a project that would befit his legacy, such as the chance to compete for the Champions League.