Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini insists coach Jose Mourinho has made a hugely positive impact since his appointment.

Mourinho's start has had highs and lows, but Pellegrini insists it's overall been positive."

"It was a thunderbolt, nobody expected the news," said Pellegrini.

“(Paulo) Fonseca always tried to pass on his way of seeing the game to us and, in my opinion, he left an impression on many of us. He taught me a lot, he helped me to improve and I will always be grateful for that. I have a really good relationship with him."

However, the situation has changed with Mourinho, who seems to have the Giallorossi supporters very much on his side, even when results and performances do not arrive.

“What I like most about the boss is that he is interested in just one thing: working hard to try and find new ways to win. That's what I want most of all too. I am 25, I am playing for Roma and I want to win. All the work we do is about wanting to achieve that target and I too, as a player, want to win and want to finish first.

“Mourinho is exactly what those of us at Roma – the players, the coaches, the staff and the fans – all needed. I think he was the perfect choice at the right time."