Naples-Rome, Zaniolo not called up. Mourinho: “Out of the project”

The central field is obviously Zaniolo. Despite Napoli, the challenge to Spalletti and the renewed expectations of the Champions League. But José Mourinho who returns to the press conference almost three months after the last time (8 November, before Sassuolo-Roma) is a properly loaded coach, also considering the rumors from England that they would like him eager to return soon to work in London, in particular in that Chelsea where he has already been twice. And the first argument could only be him, Nicolò Zaniolo. “Whether there will be disciplinary measures or not, I don’t know – says the Roma coach -. Unfortunately, however, I’m right and it seems to me that what I said could happen after Spezia. And I say unfortunately because Nicolò has been saying for a month that he wants to leave, that he no longer wants to play with this shirt or train with this group. After Spezia I left the day off and Tuesday as an option: all those who were on the bench and many who played came and these are the players you want: even if I don’t play, I know that sooner or later the team will need myself. That’s why I say sadly, because the ideal situation is to have happy players. I had the feeling that Nicolò would still be here on February 1st and I think he will. What is certain is that he will not be part of the Naples expedition. And now I think of the guys who want to come and fight with me for the club and for the fans.”

Naples

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And then the thought flies to Naples and tomorrow’s challenge. And Mou crowns him already now. “Congratulations, the Scudetto belongs to him, he has already won it deservedly. They are the strongest team, they have a good coach, excellent players, a club that has made an excellent transfer market. I don’t think Milan and Inter, who are at 12-13 points, can score 6-7 consecutive victories. But we won’t go there to celebrate their title, but to try and win the game” With an already certain line-up, so much so that Mou gives it to the conference: “Rui, the three central players, will play Zalewski on the right and Spinazzola on the left, then Cristante, Matic and Pellegrini in the middle and Dybala and Abraham in front”. Clinging, of course, to the great talent of Dtybala. “Napoli have many great players, but none at Dybala’s level. And there’s one, Kim, who I wanted at Tottenham: I spoke to him a couple of times, he wanted to come, but it cost ten million and we offered 5.”

Future and singles

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Then Mou slips on to something else, on his future and on the rumors that they want him back in the Premier League from next season. Unless Roma have the economic strength to build him a truly ambitious team. “This is a question that the club must ask me when it thinks the time is right. Maturity helps to be balanced, less selfish and more a man of society. My future? I do not know. What is certain is that José does not want anything, in reference to the rumors about Chelsea. I live day after day, when society wants to talk to me I’m ready to do it. Today I only think about Rome and not about the future.” Then the singles: “Shomurodov will be one player less: he needs to play, maybe in 6 months he will come back here. We certainly have one less option now, but I didn’t expect anything more from the market because the financial fair play situation is clear. I expect more difficulties, yes, because now the competitive structure is changing, with more commitments than before. Karsdorp? He will stay out as long as he wants to stay out, but it doesn’t take much to get back in. Someone here has really been a liar, leaving an image of a manager and a club that we didn’t deserve.” Finally Wijnaldum and Smalling: “Time helps for Gini, even if he doesn’t train with the team in competitive situations and does check-ups every 15 days. I don’t know when he’ll be back, maybe it will take 7-10 days to stay with the team and 2-3 weeks to play for a few minutes. But he works well, without delays. Smalling is playing very well, the renewal situation is open and I’ve never talked to him about it. But my impression is that he wants to stay. I think an agreement can be reached. Indeed, it must be found. Roma need him and there’s no better place for Chris to be happier than here.”