Jose Mourinho highlighted Roma’s grit in their hard-fought 3-1 win over Hellas Verona and praised the work of forward Nicolo Zaniolo.
The Giallorossi fell behind after less than 30 minutes following a Pawel Dawidowicz opener but soon were handed a lifeline after the Pole was shown a red card for a dangerous looking foul on Zaniolo. The Italian forward drew Roma level just before the half time break and late goals from Cristian Volpato and Stephan El Shaarawy secured all three points for Mourinho’s side.
Speaking to DAZN, Mourinho first reacted to Roma’s tiring win over Hellas Verona.
“There is a feeling of support for Verona. Because they fought hard to come away with a point. Young coach, good, he organised the team well with ten men. He created a lot of difficulties for us. They fought, did well even taking a few minutes off the game.
“Of course I’m happy with the win, I’m not hypocritical. But I have a positive feeling with them because the league table is tough but the players, the coach, the stadium and the fans… I’m sorry.
“Sometimes I leave the game with the feeling that I could do more, this time the feeling is that I couldn’t do anything more. I did everything I could do, believing in the talent of this kid Volpato, believing in Nemanja Matic.
“When you win in the 90th minute you can talk a bit about luck, but we were looking for luck for 45 minutes.”
He gave his thoughts on Zaniolo, who scored the equaliser for Roma in the dying moments of the first half.
“His attitude, his desire to help the team, his sense of being a team player. I’m never angry because Nico doesn’t score one or two goals or doesn’t score a lot.
“He’s a guy who gives everything he’s got, who forces his opponents to make a lot of fouls, sometimes beyond the right aggressiveness. I am always happy with him.”
He touched on the work of the young players in the Giallorossi squad.
“There is a process behind it. It’s one thing to train with the Primavera all the time, it’s another when he is attached to the team from time to time, and yet another when he leaves the Primavera for the first team.
“Bove, for example, has become first team, now Volpato, who has been with the first team since the end of August, has signed his contract and is a player with first team potential.
“He is young, he has a lot to learn every day, but he is a first-team player and when I put him in I don’t do anything crazy because I know he has the potential to do well.”
The Portuguese coach looked ahead to Roma’s next two matches, against Ludogorets and rivals Lazio.
“The derby doesn’t interest me, not at all. I’m only interested in the next game. And if a coach doesn’t only think about the next game, it doesn’t end well.
“I say this because I made this mistake and it is difficult to live with it. And if any of my players talk about the derby now, they’re wrong.”
Finally, Mourinho refused to comment on Maurizio Sarri’s words about the derby and possible distractions.
“Of course not.”
Bellotti isn’t performing,
Bove and sharmadov should be used more.
Zanielo is doing well but he can do more by playing as a team player. Congratulations to him.
When this coach loses he’ll blame the quality of his squad, the referees , the pitch, the opponent players ,the ball boys etc. He only try to be nice and respectful after winning. This praising of Verona does sound naturally from the heart. He must be ashamed of his reaction after the Napoli game and trying to make something up. Secondly he keeps complaining of not making a sub because of lack of stars on the bench. Well there may not have been any late goals for him this evening had he not tried some reserves which BTW every coach does without as much excuses.
Yes Bellotti has no technique and not enough speed which makes him predictable, like a bull trying to ram his way through. Shomurodov brings much more skill and speed. El Shaarawy is playing for a contract extension. Nothing motivates a player more than that! He is filling in as a right back amazingly.
where is tammy abraham now ?? a one time favorite of Mourinho, does not find any mention in mourinho’s word of praise.
although he has missed quite a few sitters against Verona, his contribution to Roma‘s progress cannot be undermined.
far better than belotti.
thanks alot of information mantap