Roma coach Jose Mourinho was satisfied that both goals came from corner kicks after the 2-0 win over Spezia. ‘Yesterday we trained on set pieces for 25 minutes’.
The Giallorossi climbed to sixth after the three points against Thiago Motta’s men, but Mourinho was not completely satisfied with the performance on Monday night.
The coach admitted he was happy to see Roger Ibanez and Chris Smalling score the goals from corner kicks, but stressed there’s room for improvement ahead of the big game against Atalanta.
Serie A | Roma 2-0 Spezia: Giallorossi score from two headers
“I liked the two goals from corners, because yesterday we trained on set pieces for 25 minutes,” Mourinho said.
“I like the result, not the game. It was not a difficult match, starting from the first half, we gave away and lost a lot of easy balls.
“We never had good ball circulation. At that moment it was not difficult to play against Spezia. After the 2-0, I also liked the effort of Ibanez, who remained on the pitch with some difficulties.
“I had a feeling the game wasn’t over. After Smalling came off, everything changes, because [Bryan] Cristante took his place. The team let the opponent enter the match.”
Mourinho was asked if Smalling, Ibanez and Nicolò Zaniolo will make it in time for the match against Atalanta on Saturday.
“We’ll see. Ibanez remained on the pitch, as Smalling was out,” Mourinho said. “Smalling felt something, Ibanez always plays.
“I hope it’s more a question of fatigue. Atalanta are a top team, with a large squad. It will be difficult.
“For Zaniolo, I don’t know, he didn’t have a serious injury, but let’s see. It will be tough against Atalanta, as well as with Sampdoria.”
Bryan Cristante, who captains the side in Lorenzo Pellegrini’s absence, stressed La Lupa are pushing for top four in Serie A.
There are two games left before the winter break, with Atalanta away on December 18 and Sampdoria at home on December 22.
Cristante aims for top four after ‘positive’ Spezia win: ‘Roma dominated’
Honest opinion…players couldn’t make clean passes and didn’t gain enough confidence against a team that were not that strong. Tammy was outstanding and always gives 100%.