Jose Mourinho was widely criticised by the Italian press after Roma’s disastrous 4-1 loss to Genoa, piling pressure on the Portuguese coach.
The Giallorossi have suffered their worst Serie A start in recent memory, picking up just five points from their opening six Serie A outings. The team thrashed Empoli 7-0 but have dropped points in draws to Salernitana and Torino, and losses to Hellas Verona, Milan and now Genoa.
Roma fell 1-0 down to Genoa after just five minutes following an Albert Gudmundsson opener. Bryan Cristante netted the equaliser 17 minutes later but goals from Mateo Retegui, Morten Thorsby and Junior Messias secured the victory for Alberto Gilardino’s side.
La Gazzetta dello Sport were severely unimpressed with Mourinho and Roma’s work against Genoa, believing that the injury crisis isn’t enough to justify this situation, writing: “And this is Roma? In the first half they lacked link-ups with the forwards, in the second half they launched a front-drive Roma side, but ended up overwhelmed by the opponents.
“Of course, they would have the excuse of the injuries, but it can’t be enough.”
Corriere dello Sport were more forgiving than their Milanese and Torinese counterparts, commenting: “The team are slow, the defence, made up of incomprehensible choices in the market, are making water everywhere. The goodbyes of Ibanez and Matic are being felt, Roma concede goals from anyone and the team play superficially.”
Tuttosport also criticised Mourinho’s work, drawing attention to how they lost to a newly promoted side, commenting: “They suffered a blow from the newly-promoted Genoa and from a Gilardino debuting in Serie A.”
Mourinho’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 4.5
Corriere dello Sport: 5
Tuttosport: 4
Corriere della Sera: 3
As lifelong romanista, I’m not surprised at all. Is Mou to blame? Not entirely. The main ongoing problem is mentality, pure & simple. Roma was only “invincible” during Capello’s scudetto era.
You can’t expect Mou to win trophies with such a decimated squad.
The problem is Rui Patricio. The worst keeper in the whole League comfortably No defence has a chance with him in goal. He might as well do us all a favour and retire, because his performances make him look like he already is. Roma are basically starting every match a goal down with him in goal