Mourinho asserted that these clubs were designed to lift the Champions League but after finding themselves in Europa, they ought to win it
By Kehinde Okeowo
AS Roma boss, Jose Mourinho, has named four European giants as the favourites to lift the UEFA Europa League this season.
The Portuguese identified Premier League clubs, Arsenal and Manchester United, La Liga leaders, Barcelona and Serie A giant, Juventus as the teams to put money on in the competition.
The Round of 32 of this season’s Europa League began yesterday, February 16 with clubs jostling to move to the next round
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Speaking to the media about the clubs that can win the Europa League title this term, Mourinho said ahead of his side’s clash with RB Salzburg on Thursday night: “When I was talking about sharks, I was talking about clubs made to win the Champions League and which are in the Europa League. Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester United and Juventus, the responsibility rests entirely on them.”
He went on to say Roma had similar expectations last season when they played in the Europa Conference League.
“The weight we felt last year in the Conference League is now on the shoulders of these teams. Salzburg isn’t made to win the Champions League but to compete.
“They did it well, but they finished third and now they are here with us,” he added.