José Mourinho’s mind is still lingering on his Europa League final defeat with Roma as he admitted he ‘can’t accept’ the way they lost the game against Sevilla, in a clear reference to referee Antony Taylor’s mistakes.
The ‘Special One’ got a red card for protests in Fenerbahce’s latest Europa League fixture against Manchester United and expressed his frustration about the treatment he receives in European competitions, admitting that working is ‘becoming difficult’ for him.
Mourinho still doesn’t accept losing Europa League final with Roma
“The feeling is that I struggle in Europe,” he told Sky Sports UK, as reported by TMW.
“I lost a final [with Roma] in a way that I still don’t accept and I think about it since then. I think it’s unfair; in football, when they have to punish you, they do it, but we should start over after that and it wasn’t like that for me.
“We were kicked out of the Champions League in a qualifier against Lille because of a penalty awarded with VAR on the 94th minute that only the VAR could see. I know it’s a battle I’ll never win.”
Mourinho went on to accuse UEFA of being treated differently from other managers.
“I deserve to be treated like everyone else,” the Portuguese coach added.
“On the pitch, it doesn’t matter if you are Lionel Messi or you’re playing your first game. Rules are the same for Messi and a young player.
“It’s the same for managers: it doesn’t matter if you’re Carlo Ancelotti or a young coach, Ancelotti should behave as the youth. This is what I want for me and what I want in general.
“I don’t expect special treatment, I want honest treatment, that’s all. If I do something bad, I will get punished and pay for it. But if I don’t do anything bad, just let me in peace, working like this is becoming difficult.”
Roma missed out on the Europa League trophy in Mourinho’s first season at the club, with their final against Sevilla marked by some controversial decisions from Taylor, such as a generous penalty awarded to the Spanish side and another clear one denied to the Giallorossi.
Mourinho dreams of returning to London and the Premier League ‘one day’
Asked whether he would fancy a return to England, Mourinho admitted London still feels ‘home’ to him and hopes to return ‘one day’.
“I’ll never go in a team that fights to avoid relegation,” he admitted.
“To be fair, I think it’s more difficult than competing for titles. It must be very difficult emotionally, because it’s something that changes your life.
“I’m at a stage in my career where I’d. like to be always happy, but at this moment, playing in European competitions, I get mad all the time.
“As for a return to England, London is my home, so I have to go back there one day, unless anyone doesn’t want me… But I’d like to return one day.
“But don’t get me wrong: for the next two seasons, no one will take me away from Fenerbahce.”