Mourinho angry because Roma players take Europa League lightly

Swiss coach Jose Mourinho criticized several Roma players for their lackluster performance, including new signing Houssem Aouar, in the 1-1 draw against Servette in the fifth matchday of Group G of the Europa League.

"Once again, we were careless in our attitude, in our grasp of the game. There were players who missed opportunities to prove themselves, like Aouar," Mourinho said after the match. "There are some players who come on as substitutes in Serie A with a great attitude, then in the Europa League they come on with a slow attitude, as if they are not used to being on the bench and therefore cannot improve."

Aouar was highly rated during his time at Lyon from 2016-2023 and was even linked with Arsenal. This summer, he joined Roma on a free transfer, signing a five-year contract. The Algerian midfielder has scored two goals in 14 appearances across all competitions since the start of the season. According to Whoscored , in yesterday's match in Geneva, Aouar only had one shot on goal which was blocked by the opposition, made 25 passes, had one successful tackle, and failed to dribble past any opponents. He was on the pitch for 55 minutes before being substituted for Pellegrini.

Aouar had the ball dispossessed by a Servette player during the 1-1 draw in the fifth matchday of Group G of the Europa League against Geneva on November 30. Photo: Reuters — Aouar had the ball dispossessed by a Servette player during the 1-1 draw in the fifth matchday of Group G of the Europa League against Geneva on November 30. Photo: *Reuters*

On the Geneva pitch on November 30th, Roma had a poor start but still took the lead thanks to a close-range left-footed shot from Romelu Lukaku. However, the Belgian striker squandered opportunities, allowing Chris Bedia to equalize early in the second half. Towards the end of the match, Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini both missed chances to score inside the penalty area.

Mourinho repeatedly reminded his players to stay focused at halftime, but to no avail. "It's a shame you don't have cameras in our dressing room at halftime," the Portuguese coach lamented. "Because I always tell the players that opponents who are trailing at home will fight hard from the start of the second half. That's a natural reaction and that's something they need to know."

The 1-1 draw ensures Roma's progression in the Europa League, as they currently sit second in Group G with ten points, five points ahead of Servette. This marks the ninth consecutive time the Italian capital club has advanced beyond the group stage of a European competition, including three in the Champions League, five in the Europa League, and one in the Conference League.

However, Roma are likely to finish second and will have to play two play-off matches against a team from the group of third-placed clubs relegated from the Champions League, as happened last season. The Italian side are currently two points behind Slavia Prague. Roma can only overtake them if they win convincingly against Sheriff at the Olimpico Stadium, and Slavia Prague slip up against Servette in the final match on December 14th.

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

Mourinho admitted Roma would struggle to take the top spot and continued to criticize the attitude of some of his players in the second half. "Many times they go into the second half with the wrong attitude like that," the 60-year-old coach continued. "Honestly, I don't understand it. I've coached 150 Champions League matches, much more difficult ones. But it seems some players can't even perform at a minimum level in these games."

Mourinho praised Bryan Cristante as a great role model for his teammates, always playing with high concentration, and 2022 World Cup winner Leandro Paredes for his excellent ball control and the right attitude. But the "Special One" stressed that he couldn't punish underperforming players due to a shortage of personnel. "No one will have to pay the price," he said. "Pep Guardiola can do that. If he's not happy, he'll say goodbye, send that player out and choose someone else. I can't do that here. I can only try to continue training them every day to achieve the best results."

On December 3rd, Roma will once again travel to Sassuolo for Round 14 of Serie A.

Hong Duy

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