José Mourinho has turned things around at Roma, by bringing his winning mentality and with some wise tactical choices, writes Lorenzo Bettoni.
The Giallorossi have qualified for their first European Final in 31 years by beating Leicester City 1-0 in the second leg of the Conference League semi-finals at the Stadio Olimpico last night and dream of winning their first trophy since 2008.
Despite not being title contenders and failing to snatch a top-four finish, Mourinho has never been openly criticised by the Giallorossi fans. Roma have the second highest average attendance in home Serie A games this season and the team has never lacked support also in the most challenging part of the campaign. This was perhaps the first achievement accomplished by the Special One, who, thanks to his charisma, has managed to stick the fanbase together, avoiding excessive pressure on the team.
Roma fans and players know that they have a unique chance to develop under such a magnetic and winning coach who has shaped the team psychologically and tactically.
The Special One dropped a four-man backline in November, going for a three-man defence with more quality in the middle of the park. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been one of the key men, playing in a slightly deeper midfield role. The former Armenia international and the Special One were not on good terms at Manchester United and the same is true of Chris Smalling, but the Englishman has also been pivotal to Roma’s victories when fit.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has provided quality and quality and 20-year-old Nicola Zalewski has become a regular starter at left-wing back, replacing new signing Matias Vina who had been struggling defensively. Marash Kumbulla has also developed massively during the campaign after missing the opening nine Serie A games for technical choice.
It’s impossible not to mention Tammy Abraham, who has had a tremendous impact in the capital, becoming the most prolific debutant in the history of the club with 25 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Roma look solid and no longer shaky, especially in the crucial moments of the season. The last time they slipped was in a home game against Juventus when they wasted a two-goal lead, conceding three goals in seven minutes and missing a late penalty kick. It was the turning point in the race for the top four and the last time the team melted. From that moment onwards, Mourinho’s real Roma emerged.
The Giallorossi have lost only two Serie A games in 2022 and have now qualified for their first European Final in 31 years.
Perhaps, what Pellegrini said last night perfectly sums up Mourinho’s work at the club so far. “There is the perception of being a team, regardless of individualities. We have developed during the season and from the pitch, you can see that we are a proper team. When we score a goal, the game ends. Perhaps, some time ago, it wouldn’t happen.”
Mourinho is still not on the same level as Fabio Capello, the last coach to win the Serie A title in Rome, but even the Italian boss conquered the Scudetto in his second season at the Stadio Olimpico.
Greatest coach in football history.
I do not want to belittle their getting to the final but it would have meant more if it was that Europa league and not the conference league where Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers have to extremely proud of their teams.
Roma and lazio especially Sarri and Mourinho have got to do so much better in the league next season as it has been a major disappointment by both.
Pioli has got to be the manager of the season no matter what happens as his squad of players are not of the highest quality but it may lead them to the scudetto, quite astonishing.
Simeone Inzaghi is another 1 that falls under the must do better next season as his squad has no business being behind Milan at this stage of the season.
Back to Roma while Tammy Abraham will grab all the headlines and rightfully so for a great season, I am very impressed with Nicola Zalewski as he is a very exciting prospect.
When Spinnazola gets up to speed I hope he is played as right wing back or full back as I am no fan of Karsdorp at all.
Jose Mourinho again, Know your ability and tactic to win final game, Bravo the best manager in the world, As Roma all the way, I am watching from West Africa, Liberia ,Monrovia.