Jose Mourinho maintains Paulo Dybala’s introduction coincided with a change of attitude from Roma to break down 10-man HJK Helsinki and urges Andrea Belotti to ‘get it over the line with anything, his knee, his head, his butt.’
The Giallorossi needed a result after their opening 2-1 defeat to Ludogorets and had the ideal start when HJK Helsinki went down to 10 men after just 14 minutes for Miro Tenho’s foul on Belotti going clear.
Nonetheless, it took until the second half to break the deadlock with substitute Paulo Dybala’s first touch, followed by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Belotti both meeting Zaniolo assists.
“Obviously Dybala scored the first goal and the team had a different attitude. We had the wrong attitude in the first half, acting as if we were 11 against 11,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.
“We were too passive, whereas Paulo broke the deadlock and that changed the whole attitude, we moved to essentially a two-man defence, knew it was mandatory to get two goals quickly and make the most of the extra man.
“I’m sorry for HJK, as they started well and it was difficult after going down to 10 men. VAR made the right decision, but I’ve been in these situations as a coach and it’s tough for a coach and players.
“It was a difficult match for us, we tried moving the ball around. What a coach must do is try to disguise the weaknesses of his squad as best he can. That also means making the most of your strengths, other coaches investigate and study us, just as we do with or opponents, so it’s a puzzle.
“Roma did not play well in the first half, but this game isn’t really a reference for tactics because it was against 10 men for 75 minutes. We need to improve building out from the back, again we have difficulty in that and I try to hide it, but we need to move the ball around faster and these super talented players we have upfront need to be more determined in the finishing.
“I think this virus of the fancy football is spreading, because Gallo had a few back-heel flicks today and that’s not his style! He needs to get it over the line with anything, his knee, his head, his butt, whatever! We create many, many scoring opportunities and don’t score enough goals.”
Roma are now second in the group on three points along with Ludogorets, while Real Betis are out in front with six points, having beaten the Bulgarians 3-2 this evening.
“Betis are a very strong side and I think those two games will largely decide this group.”
Pellingrin should lead by example. He has to learn how not to be selfish like Zaniello and with that Roma would be unstoppable. Dybala plays business focus football which must for all.