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Roma coach Mourinho: We'll play to win against Vitesse

Roma coach Jose Mourinho is demanding total focus on tonight's Europa Conference League clash with Vitesse.

Roma are to meet Lazio on the weekend in the Rome derby, but Mourinho is demanding everything be focused on tonight.

Roma host the second-leg of the round 16 tie with a 1-0 lead.

“The only game that interests us is Vitesse. There is no derby, there is no Lazio, there is no game on Sunday," said the coach in his press conference.

“If we win or draw, then we are in the quarter-final. If we lose, then we are out."

The away goals rule no longer applies Europe.

“I don't know if it's better or worse, but it has certainly changed the profile of the games. Ajax had a good draw in Lisbon, but then Benfica knew they didn't need to score or be eliminated. They were able to have an attitude of control and not risk.

“Before, a team would have a score draw at home, knowing perfectly well they had the disadvantage going into the second leg.

“We need to see it that way, without thinking about the first leg result. We saw that as an independent match to be won, not drawing with a goal, or losing with a goal. Tomorrow a draw would be enough, but we're not playing for a draw, we want to win."

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Carlos Volcano
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Carlos Volcano

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