Roma manager Jose Mourinho has dubbed himself “Jose 'Harry Potter' Mourinho” and suggested he has raised expectations of what the club can achieve.
His comments came after Roma were eliminated from the Coppa Italia in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 loss to rivals Lazio on Wednesday.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
Mourinho said he believes fans expect more from him because of his successful career.
“The Roma fans are the most incredible I have ever seen. Their coach is José 'Harry Potter' Mourinho and he generates expectations,” he said.
“I don't know how many derbies I have played, 200, 150, they are always special games. I have won, drawn, lost, always with a different experience.
“I have always understood that for a Chelsea fan a match against Manchester City is not the same as against Arsenal. That for Inter a match against Roma is not the same as against Juventus.
“I understand what a derby means. The derby we played was an important derby.”
Mourinho has referenced Potter before, stating that he is “not Harry Potter” while he was Real Madrid manager in a bid to temper expectations.
Roma are four points behind Fiorentina, who are fourth in the race for a place in next season's Champions League and have also qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League.
His contract expires at the end of the season, but he stated that he is committed to the club.
“I've been here for two years and five months and I'm the only person here who hasn't missed a single training session in that time,” Mourinho said.
“For me there are no illnesses or bad moods. For two and a half years I have not done anything bad, not even a couple of weeks ago when everyone was sick.
“I do not accept in any way that my professionalism and my dignity, my heart for this job, can be questioned. If there is a perfect example of professionalism, it is me. I have never missed a game in more than 20 years of my career.” .
