Jose Mourinho admits Roma ‘did nothing to earn’ their opening goal, but ultimately deserved the win over Sheriff, while Renato Sanches ‘will always be at risk’ of injury.
The Giallorossi started their Europa League campaign on the right foot with a 2-1 victory in Tiraspol, secured thanks to a deflected Leandro Paredes free kick and well-worked move finished off by Romelu Lukaku.
“I did not like the first half, not from the individuals, nor as a team,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia after watching the game from the stands due to a four-match UEFA ban for insulting the referee in the Final.
“We had no control, were not working well and taking a 1-0 lead was almost a miracle. We did nothing to earn that advantage. I preferred the reaction in the second half, the goal and the chances we created too. I liked that we hid the ball from Sheriff and deserved the victory.”
Lukaku found the back of the net for the second game in a row after the 7-0 win over Empoli in Serie A.
“A player with his physique needs to play, so that’s why he started today. I wanted to take him off earlier, but it did him good to play longer.”
There was also bad news, as Renato Sanches limped off after 28 minutes with yet another muscular injury, while Houssem Aouar looked rusty on his return.
“Both of them need playing time with tempo and intensity. Unfortunately, this is what the situation is for Sanches, he will always be at risk. It’s difficult to understand. They didn’t figure it out at Monaco, nor at PSG, we are struggling to understand too.
“He is a great player, seemed absolutely fine, then felt something.”
Elsewhere in Group G, Slavia Prague earned a 2-0 victory over Swiss side Servette.