Spezia coach Thiago Motta explained he has ‘enormous respect’ for Roma coach Jose Mourinho, but felt the two goals conceded on set pieces were ‘avoidable’.
The Aquilotti coach claimed the two headers from Roger Ibanez and Chris Smalling revealed the problem in Liguria this term.
Mourinho on Roma’s 2-0 win over Spezia: ‘I liked the result, not the game’
Spezia are still fighting to climb away from the relegation zone, but left the Olimpico empty handed on Monday night, as the Giallorossi picked up a 2-0 win over Thiago Motta’s men.
“This is also why we are in this situation,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia. “We conceded two avoidable goals from corner kicks.
“They took advantage of their strength by managing the match well, we were unable to create the right opportunities to reopen the match.”
The former Inter midfielder faced his previous coach Jose Mourinho and explained the hug with the Portuguese tactician was ‘natural’ ahead of the match.
“I have enormous respect for him, and I think it’s mutual,” he said. “He’s a real person and the hug was something natural, we were rivals only for 90 minutes.
“Before and after, we will always be friends.”