Jose Mourinho makes 'so tough' remark as Roma rocked ahead of Leicester City clash

Roma manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that the upcoming tie against Leicester City will be "so tough" as they "chase the dream" of reaching the Europa Conference League final.

The two sides meet in the semi-final first leg this Thursday evening at the King Power Stadium. A return trip to the Stadio Olimpico follows exactly a week later and will decide which one will participate in next month's showpiece at the Arena Kombëtare in Tirana, Albania.

While City were held to a goalless draw at home by Aston Villa this weekend, Roma have a significantly worse result to recover from coming into the tie. They were at one stage 3-0 down to Inter Milan at San Siro on Saturday evening before scoring a consolation five minutes from time.

The Roma boss was in a considered mood, though despite the defeat. “We needed to be perfect today, and we weren’t perfect," Mourinho told DAZN, (via Football Italia ). "We did well, but we weren’t perfect.

"It was 0-0, and we had that big chance with Mancini’s header, 10 seconds later, they scored with a through ball. The second goal was also a through ball after we lost the ball.

“There was a lack of concentration and confidence for about 10-15 minutes before the break. In the second half, we conceded a goal from a set play that my players knew full well how to defend, because we talked about it so much.

“We had the courage to play and keep going. I prefer to lose after three months against a team that is stronger than us, so I have nothing to say.”

“Now we need to rest, chase the dream of reaching the Conference League Final, which will be so tough on Thursday. As I said, if I had to lose, I preferred losing against a team that was stronger.”