Europa League Final: The Only One? Mourinho grabs a record with Roma

The biggest star is not on the pitch in the pretty Puskás Aréna on Wednesday evening (9 p.m. / RTL), but on the sidelines. For around two decades, José Mourinho has been one of the most successful and controversial coaches in world football.

If he now wins the Europa League final against FC Sevilla with AS Roma in Budapest and wins his sixth international title as a coach, he will become the sole record holder. “The Special One” would also be “The Only One”.

Sevilla have reached the final of the competition six times and the Spaniards have won it six times – more than any other club. If anyone can end this impressive streak, it must be Mourinho. The Portuguese’s thirst for the title is unbroken. “The DNA is motivation and joy, the desire for great moments,” he said about himself before his sixth European Cup final as coach. He has won all five so far. Mourinho currently shares the record with former Bayern Munich coach Giovanni Trapattoni. Over the years, however, he had “become a better coach, a better person,” Mourinho described his own development.

“Character to Love or Hate”

The 60-year-old has always been trimmed for success. A brilliant tactician, but also a provocateur. And obviously a people snatcher. “He is actually a very special trainer who treats all professionals and employees equally. That’s his secret, everyone feels important and gets that little extra out of themselves,” said Rome’s offensive star Paulo Dybala to the “kicker”. Of course, Mourinho is also a “master” of mind games, the Argentine added with a smile. He is “a character that you either love or hate. You can’t really blame him for the results he’s showing.”

Mourinho won the UEFA Cup with FC Porto in 2003 and the Champions League a year later. With Inter Milan he also triumphed in the premier class in 2010 – in the final against Bayern. In 2017 he snatched the Europa League title with Manchester United.

Mourinho has also caused a sensation in Rome since taking office in the summer of 2021 and cast a spell over an entire club. The fans adore him. Last season he won the first edition of the Conference League with the Giallorossi. It was Rome’s first European triumph and their first title since winning the Italian Cup in 2008. He “changed the course of history forever for this team and this city, which wanted nothing more than to experience nights like this “, wrote the Italian newspaper “Corriere dello Sport”. Mourinho “has a strong personality and has given the team the will to win,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Praise also from the Sevilla coach

“He’s one of the greats. If you look at where he’s been and what he’s won, you get scared,” said José Luis Mendilibar, who is Sevilla’s third coach this season. before the duel with Mourinho.

So now Roma are in Budapest for their second international final in two years – and Mourinho has only the trophy on his mind. In the difficult last few weeks, when his team could only win one of nine compulsory games – the semi-final first leg at Bayer Leverkusen – and had to struggle with many injuries, he was the great motivator. According to his own statement, he does not think about the fact that Roma, who are only sixth in the league, could still qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League.

He has also not wanted to comment on the rumors that he could leave the club after this season despite his contract running until 2024. Mourinho only has eyes for the silver pot – and the sole record firmly in sight.

The possible lineups:

Sevilla FC: Bono – Navas, Badé, Gudelj, Telles – Rakitic – Fernando, Torres – Ocampos, En-Nesyri, Gil

AS Roma: Rui Patricio – Mancini, Smalling, Llorente – Celik, Cristante, Matic, Pellegrini, Spinazzola – Abraham, El Shaarawy

Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)