Jose Mourinho confirmed that Paulo Dybala is fit and will play against Real Betis in the Europa League while Tammy Abraham and Andrea Belotti can play together. The Giallorossi are heading into their European clash on the back of a confidence boosting win over Inter at the weekend where Dybala made the difference.
Speaking ahead of the game, Mourinho offered his thoughts on the upcoming match and what he expects from their opponents:
Dybala’s doing well, and will play tomorrow. Real Betis have a great coach with a great philosophy. They have many experienced players so it won’t be easy. It will be just as difficult for them. Let’s hope that the 60,000 fans will make themselves heard tomorrow night.
Zalewski? He can play anywhere. He’s become a very versatile player who is now a regular starter for Poland and plays on the wing there. We like him, and whether he starts or plays from the bench, his importance for us remains the same.
Abraham and Belotti? Good players can always play together, it’s never a problem for them. I mean, some media members who don’t show their faces around these parts claimed Dybala, Zaniolo, Abraham and Pellegrini could never play together.
Abraham and Belotti are excellent players and managers like me must find a way to have them play together, because it’s always difficult for an opponent to face a team that has both of them in the starting line-up.
Zaniolo? Opponents are always worried about him. He’s not a selfish player, his instinct is always to attack the opponent, making individual decisions that are made for the good of the team rather than in his personal interest.
Zaniolo gives everything for his team, he is so important in the defensive phase for us, he works a lot and it is normal for him not to score 20 goals in a season.
He is a really important player for us and for us if he scores less or more it is not a dramatic situation.
Pellegrini? I trust his judgement. If he feels ready, he will tell me. If not, no problem. We trust each other on these matters.”
