Jose Mourinho essentially confirmed Jordan Veretout will not play for Roma again, while he refused to explain Nicolò Zaniolo’s problems after mocking journalists with a written prediction.
The Giallorossi face Sampdoria tomorrow, having beaten Lazio 3-0 in the Derby della Capitale before the break for international duty.
Tension remains high at the Trigoria training camp, though, with reports Veretout was told he won’t play for Roma again without a new contract.
“Veretout did not train with us. I cannot say the things I cannot say, but he’s not available to play, that I can tell you,” said Mourinho in his press conference.
The coach also mocked reporters when he was asked in his second question, after an initial injury update, how Zaniolo is dealing with this moment in his career.
He held up a piece of paper with written on it: ‘The second question will be about Zaniolo.’
The forward’s future is in doubt amid Juventus rumours, he was left on the bench throughout the Rome Derby and has not yet even begun to discuss a contract extension.
He also struggled for Italy against Turkey, with Roberto Mancini taking him off at half-time and declaring the starlet needed to ‘learn how to play with others’ before progressing.
“I just want to talk about us. I don’t want to comment on what happened on international duty,” added Mourinho.
“All I can say about Zaniolo is that many players go on the bench, from time to time. It’s normal. I don’t see you asking these questions at other clubs and of other coaches. You don’t ask Max Allegri why Federico Bernardeschi doesn’t play, or Simone Inzaghi why Edin Dzeko isn’t starting.
“Zaniolo was on the bench against Lazio. We adopted a different strategy, with the objective to win, and it worked.
“He arrived on Thursday and had a flexor issue. He will be the first to tell you he is in no condition to play right now. Call his agent, call Zaniolo, they can tell you the truth.”
Mourinho: “A Roma c’è una ossessione per Zaniolo. Non giocherà perché infortunato, stop” https://t.co/1uRwXl5ID5
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) April 2, 2022