Jose Mourinho reveals Lorenzo Pellegrini has promised to sign a new contract with Roma, but insists the team ‘did not play well’ in a 5-1 win over CSKA Sofia.
The Giallorossi had a rough start, going a goal down after 10 minutes to a mass defensive error, but came back for their sixth win out of six in all competition this season.
Pellegrini bagged a brace, with Stephan El Shaarawy, Gianluca Mancini and Tammy Abraham also on target.
Conference League | Roma 5-1 CSKA Sofia: Pellegrini inspirational
“We did not play well. At times we did well, a strong team is coming together, we have already talked about it and must be even more of a team when we go into the difficult moments,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.
“However, I was not satisfied with the performance at all. We did not play with quality, just two days ago we trained about this, but the full-backs didn’t push much, there wasn’t enough intensity, we lost so many defensive duels.
“I cannot say we played badly, but we didn’t do well either and certainly not enough to warrant a 5-1 result. Yes, we have more quality than CSKA Sofia, but we didn’t do enough.”
Pellegrini scored twice and inspired his teammates, confirming an excellent start to the season, but Mourinho revealed the contract extension saga is coming to an end.
“He is a player with quality, a great deal of potential and he told me yesterday that he’ll sign the new contract soon. I think it can definitively give more strength to this rapport he is building with the fans.
“Pellegrini is the captain, he will sign a new contract and is very important for us.”
That’s a finish from right out of the top drawer from Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini 😍
He picks his spot and the goalkeeper has no chance! 🎯#UECL pic.twitter.com/0y2EUUWRvs
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 16, 2021
Mourinho was asked about his squad rotation in the Europa Conference League when playing on a Thursday.
“The five substitutions give coaches a different way of dealing with games. We had a super bench today and that allowed me to play others. I’ve hinted the fundamental difference between us and other teams is the type of option they can draw on in all areas and we cannot, but there’s time for these lads to grow and become more competitive.”
Mourinho seemed to be trying to calm down the enthusiasm around his Roma start, a 100 per cent record after six games between Serie A and the Conference League.
“Of course, it’s true. We have our limitations, a season is a marathon and we need to control our tempo. I said six wins isn’t 60, just as seven wins won’t be 70. We’re building first of all a team, but we must stay calm and continue to feel this joy between us and the fans.
“When the dark moments come, and they certainly will come, that is when we must be even more of a team, more of a club. I am happy with what we are building, but it’s early days.”
Finally, Mourinho was asked whether he was still trying to drill more determination into his Roma side and gave a typically Jose anecdote.
“The other day during a game between ranks, a player whose team was winning went to get the ball and take the throw-in. I asked what he was doing, he said he wanted to enjoy himself. I told him enjoying yourself means winning and stop being a ****.”