Jose Mourinho has issued an apology to journalist Daniele Lo Monaco after the Special One gave a slightly confrontational response to questions over his team tactics in the Giallorossi’s 2-1 defeat to Milan prior to the international break.
After Roma’s loss to the Rossoneri at the beginning of September, Lo Monaco had asked Mourinho why he had opted to deploy such negative tactics during the game, particularly with his wingers.
“As a football fan, I’ve learned so much by watching Mourinho work over the last two years. However, there is something I don’t understand from the game against Milan,” the reporter said.
He then asked: “I saw Roma sitting deep and having a defensive approach especially on the wings. My question is: when did you decide to face Milan this way? And do you have regrets seeing the result?”
Mourinho then bit back with a slightly fiery response: “I think the formula of success is not to listen to people who don’t have the same ability as you. I think this is important. Listen to those who know more than you, those who can help you think, and staff members, who are very important.
“But, I don’t feel comfortable discussing these things with those who have never sat in a real dugout or those who never spent hours, hundreds of hours in these situations, with somebody who has never prepared games of this level.”
Realising his criticism of Lo Monaco was uncalled for, Mourinho took the opportunity to make amends during his post-match press conference following Roma’s 7-0 victory over Empoli on Sunday.
Mourinho took it upon himself to apologise to Lo Monaco in front of everybody in the press room before giving his response to the first question of the night.
He told the press: “Before the first question I wanted to apologise to Daniele Lo Monaco. You’ve always been straight with me. You do your job as a good journalist. I listened to your question again and there was no reason to give that answer. I apologise publicly, as I did yesterday, not behind a door. Sorry about that.
Lo Monaco himself has since posted the clip online, with the caption: “Question closed. Few greats have this level of humility. Onwards and upwards.”
👏 👏 👏 the Special 1
One apology doesn’t cover his disgusting diatribes against referees , Officials and everybody else that upsets the petulant one.