Jose Mourinho explains Roma tactical changes against Torino and why he is ‘disappointed by the result, but not the performance’ in the 1-1 draw on ‘a pitch so bad it makes the Olimpico look like a catwalk.’
The Giallorossi hoped their season had truly begun with last week’s 7-0 drubbing of Empoli, getting them off the mark after just one point from the opening three rounds.
However, after the strains of a Thursday night trip to Moldova for the Europa League, they had taken the lead away to Torino with Romelu Lukaku’s third goal in as many starts, only for Duvan Zapata to cancel it out.
“We conceded a goal from a dead ball situation. It is tough to play against teams who play in this style, with their physicality and intensity,” Mourinho told DAZN.
“We played well, in my view, it is not easy to create chances against them, it is not easy to play one-touch football on a pitch that is so bad that it makes the Stadio Olimpico at Roma look like a catwalk. I promise I will no longer insult the Stadio Olimpico turf after this.
“We had players like Paredes, who up until a couple of weeks ago couldn’t even play 15 minutes, with a completely new defence, I really liked the performance. It is tough to do better against this Toro side.
“It was very difficult for us, I think very difficult for them too. When you concede a goal in the final minutes, it feels like two points dropped, but I respect the opponents, know they had a week to prepare while we had this midweek adventure.
“I am sad at the result, but not sad with what I saw from my lads.”
It was an odd situation, considering Duvan Zapata was on the verge of joining Roma last month and the failure of that move is what allowed them to sign Lukaku on loan from Chelsea instead.
“Lukaku is a fantastic player, there is nothing else to say. Obviously, there are great strikers in other teams too, but I am very pleased with him, Belotti and Azmoun once he gets into shape. I am very happy with these players.”
Mourinho made some tactical adjustments this evening, introducing Stephan El Shaarawy for a 3-4-2-1 formation rather than the 3-5-2, effectively mirroring Torino’s system.
“Playing with three more attacking players is not easy for us, with the players at our disposal. We have three ‘real’ strikers and I like them all. Sardar Azmoun is not in condition to play at this level right now,” explained Mourinho.
“The only ones who can play in there with Paulo Dybala are Lorenzo Pellegrini – who was only fit for the bench – or El Shaarawy. This is a squad with more midfielders than forwards. We have improved our playing out from the back, Bryan Cristante has a different position now and for example almost scored with his attempt off the post.
“If we do not have Renato Sanches in shape, then he can fill that role. As I said, I am disappointed by the result, but satisfied with the performance.”
Roma had a rock solid defence last season, but seem to be a little leakier at the back now.
“We need to find a balance in midfield and to be honest I liked the balance with Paredes and Cristante there today. I think we will return to the more normal situation of conceding few goals,” continued the coach.
“People remember Ibanez for errors in two or three important games, but forget he was an excellent defender. I had the doubt today of potentially using Cristante as a centre-back today, but Diego Llorente had an extraordinary game dealing with Duvan Zapata.
“I understand the table does not look good right now, but it is early days and we will certainly not be where we are now come December.”