Jose Mourinho has reportedly banned members of Roma club staff from the training ground as his team make their final preparations for the Europa League final against Sevilla.
The Portuguese boss has taken the extreme measure in order to ensure success, with Corriere Dello Sport reporting the policy was put in place on Monday. Only essential staff are believed to have been allowed into their training base for sessions this week, with just technical and medical staff permitted to enter.
Such is the magnitude of the match in Budapest on Wednesday, the move is a sign of Mourinho's superstition in the build-up to the final. He took similar measures last year in the build-up to the Europa Conference League final, which Roma won against Feyenoord to deliver their first trophy success since 2008.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager is expected to leave Rome at the end of this season, with his two-year contract drawing to a close 12 months early. There are suggestions he may be the next man to take the PSG job, with his agent believed to have been engaged in talks with the French club earlier this month.
Mourinho has often thrived when backs are against the wall, with this tactic reminiscent of a siege mentality which has often yielded results for the charismatic manager. His Inter Milan treble-winning side in 2010 reached the final with a backs to the wall performance against Barcelona, holding just 14% possession during the match having gone down to ten-men early on.
Roma have reached the Europa League final this year with a team built on a solid defence, with their semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen settled by a single first-leg goal before a goalless draw in the second leg. He will not be expected to break from this well-practiced strategy as he seeks to become the most decorated manager in terms of European trophies ever.
Will Mourinho lead Roma to Europa League success? Have your say in the comments section
Mourinho has been particularly antagonistic in his approach this season, with three red cards to his name throughout the campaign due to his touchline antics. This latest move is a sign of his continuing approach of ruffling feathers in his pursuit of success, a trait he has been known for throughout his career.
The 60-year-old has overseen a tough season in Rome, with Serie A performances below the standard expected while Tammy Abraham has also been below par compared to his first season in Italy. However, the achievement of winning a potential second European trophy for the club would mark his place in history at the Stadio Olimpico.
Mourinho has now won the last two European trophies won by Italian clubs, with his triumph in 2010 with Inter coming eleven years before his return to the country and subsequent 2022 Europa Conference League win. A third will be a tough ask against six-time champions Sevilla, but Mourinho's latest tactic will help ensure he leaves no stone unturned in his preparations.
