Mourinho: ‘Respect is essential, Abraham can do even better’

Jose Mourinho explains why he expects more from Tammy Abraham after a brace in the Derby della Capitale and demands Roma fans ‘respect’ Lazio.

The Giallorossi had lost 3-2 earlier this season, but got their revenge with a 3-0 dominant performance this evening.

It also allowed them to leapfrog their rivals into fifth place, at least awaiting Atalanta’s trip to Bologna.

Serie A | Roma 3-0 Lazio: Abraham and Pellegrini dominate Rome Derby

Abraham opened the scoring after 56 seconds, then completed his brace before a stunning long-range Lorenzo Pellegrini free kick.

“Great performance, the victory against Atalanta was already solid, with a team that knew what it had to do to beat this particular opponent,” Mourinho told DAZN.

“Today was really special, it felt like everything we worked on and prepared, the lads put it all onto the pitch.

“Lazio tried to get a better result in the second half, played with the pride of a team in the derby, but they never really threatened and again my men deserve credit for that.”

There was a curious moment just before half-time when Mourinho was furious with the Roma ultras in the Curva Sud, demanding they stop making mocking ‘ole’ chants at every pass.

“I don’t like those ‘ole’ things, I don’t like the impact it has on the players who hear it even at the end of the game, let alone after 43 minutes.

“I don’t like a player interpreting that ‘ole’ as a game being finished, or they’re putting on a show. Respect is very important. We won by three goals, could’ve had four or five, but respect for the opponent is essential.”

Abraham is the most prolific player in Europe’s top five leagues in 2022, scoring even more goals than Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.

“I know he has potential to do even more. It wasn’t just the goals, but the way he pressed, fought, tracked back, defended the ball, which he did not do even once against Vitesse. I demand a lot from Tammy because I know what he can give.

“It’s not just about goals, Tammy has to play every game with this attitude.”

Roma are now temporarily in fifth place, awaiting Atalanta’s game, but can they aim higher this season?

“I see the top four who are battling for the leadership and will stay there, I don’t see any of them losing that. Then there are four teams fighting for between fifth place and eighth – us, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina – and four teams who are improving their potential, which are obviously different to the potential of the top four.

“There is a difference between fifth and eighth, so we want to end the season well.”

In conclusion, Mourinho was asked for a view on the upcoming World Cup play-offs, where Italy face North Macedonia, while Portugal take on Turkey.

“You cannot expect me to be neutral. I love Italy, I thank Italy for all it gave me over the years at Inter and now too, but with all my strength I say Força Portugal! Let’s get there!” he said beating his chest and grinning.

It’s Tammy Abraham 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍 🤩

Roma’s number 9 extends their lead in the derby vs Lazio! pic.twitter.com/7hRs0qbYzO

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 20, 2022