José Mourinho was enjoying a day off on Sunday but reportedly inspired Roma U19’s win against Fiorentina with a dressing room speech at halftime.
The Special One was spotted at the Stadio Tre Fontane on Sunday where he watched Roma U19 take on Fiorentina in a Primavera league game alongside his assistant Nuno Santos.
Roma U19 boss Federico Guidi was suspended so, according to Il Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho stepped up at halftime when the Giallorossi were 1-0 down.
Mourinho entered the dressing room during the break and delivered a speech to motivated the team. “I’d like to see more intensity and rhythm, you must be more aggressive because Fiorentina’s defence is weaker and you can beat them. I think the second half will be different, I believe in the victory,” the Special One reportedly told Roma youngsters.
According to the report, Mourinho also reproached defender Dimitrios Keramitsis who had slipped in the build-up of Fiorentina’s goal, saying that the 18-year-old had chosen the wrong cleats. Mourinho speech apparently inspired Roma players who eventually secured a 2-1 victory.
The Portuguese coach has watched many games of Roma’s U19 squad this season promoting several young players for training sessions with the senior team.