'Jose Mourinho is a monster!' - Ex-Chelsea & Man Utd boss brought 'charisma and conviction' to Roma as Gianluca Mancini reveals how coach changed him

Roma centre-back Mancini was effusive in his praise for former head coach Mourinho while speaking about the impact the legendary manager had on him and the team. Mancini credited the Portuguese icon for instilling hunger and an elite mentality at the club and labelled him a "monster."

Mourinho was appointed Roma head coach at the start of the 2021-22 season. In his maiden season in Rome, the former Inter and Real Madrid boss fired the Giallorossi to Conference League victory. He stayed at the Stadio Olimpico for another 18 months, during which they also made it to the Europa League final, but the club parted ways with him in January 2024 following a string of poor results. Regardless, he is arguably among the greatest figures in modern Roma history.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Mancini said: "What was Mourinho for my career? A monster who arrived and made me say, 'Yes, he can change my story and that of all of us.' Jose gave us charisma, mentality, and conviction. On the pitch, I was his leader; sometimes I overdid it, going a bit too far... but I did it because I felt he would lead us to victory."

Roma have begun a new era ahead of the 2025-26 season, with former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm. Roma narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot last season, but will be aiming to finish in the top four this time around when their season kicks off against Bologna on August 23.