Mourinho angry because Roma players take Europa League lightly

Switzerland coach Jose Mourinho criticized some Roma players for playing superficially, including new midfielder Houssem Aouar, in the 1-1 draw at Servette in the fifth round of Group G of the Europa League.

"Again, we were superficial in our attitude, in the way we took the moment. There were players who missed the opportunity to prove themselves, like Aouar," Mourinho said after the game. "There are some players who were on the bench and came on in Serie A with a great attitude, then in the Europa League they came on with a slow attitude, like they are not used to being on the bench and so they cannot improve."

Aouar was highly rated when he played for Lyon from 2016 to 2023 and was linked with Arsenal. This summer, he joined Roma on a free transfer and signed a five-year contract. The Algerian midfielder has scored two goals in 14 appearances in all competitions since the start of the season. According to Whoscored , at Geneva yesterday, Aouar only shot once and was blocked by the opponent, passed the ball 25 times, successfully tackled once, and did not dribble past anyone. He was on the field for 55 minutes, then was withdrawn to make room for Pellegrini.

Aouar had the ball cleared off his foot by a Servette player during the 1-1 draw in the fifth round of Group G of the Europa League at Geneva on November 30. Photo: Reuters

At the Geneva Stadium on the evening of November 30, Roma did not start well but still took the lead thanks to Romelu Lukaku's close-range left-footed shot. But it was the Belgian striker who squandered the opportunity, causing Roma to equalize early in the second half when Chris Bedia scored. At the end of the match, Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini missed chances to finish in the penalty area.

Mourinho had warned his players to concentrate at half-time, but to no avail. "It's a shame you don't have cameras in our dressing room at half-time," the Portuguese coach said. "Because I always tell my players that opponents who are behind at home will fight hard from the start of the second half. That's a natural reaction and that's what they have to know."

The 1-1 draw ensured Roma's qualification to the Europa League as they are currently second in Group G with ten points, five ahead of Servette. It is the ninth consecutive time the Italian capital club have qualified from the group stages of a European Cup, including three in the Champions League, five in the Europa League and one in the Conference League.

But Roma are likely to finish second and face a two-legged play-off against a third-placed team from the Champions League, as they did last season. The Italians are now two points behind Slavia Prague. Roma can only move up if they beat Sheriff at the Olimpico, while Slavia Prague stumble against Servette in the final round on December 14.

Jose Mourinho directs the Servette - AS Roma match in Group G of the Europa League on November 30. Photo: Reuters

Mourinho admitted that Roma would struggle to take the top spot and continued to criticise the attitude of some of his players in the second half. "Many times they came out in the second half with the wrong attitude," the 60-year-old coach continued. "I honestly don't understand it. I have coached 150 Champions League games, much more difficult games. But it seems that some people cannot play these games at the minimum level."

Mourinho praised Bryan Cristante as a great example for his teammates, always playing with high concentration, along with 2022 World Cup winner Leandro Paredes, who has the ability to coordinate very well on the ball and has the right attitude. But the "Special One" stressed that he cannot punish poor players because of a shortage of personnel. "No one will pay the price," he said. "Pep Guardiola can do that. If he is not satisfied, he will say goodbye, kick that person out and choose another. I cannot do that here. I can only try to continue to train them every day in training to achieve the best results."

On December 3, Roma will continue to visit Sassuolo in round 14 of Serie A.

Hong Duy

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