Jose Mourinho admits Roma felt ‘frustrated’ against Sampdoria until the red card opened the floodgates and is glad Gini Wijnaldum can finally contribute.
The Giallorossi had struggled to break down relegation contenders Samp until Jeison Murillo received a second yellow card on 52 minutes.
Wijnaldum opened the floodgates with his header into the ground, then won a penalty converted by Paulo Dybala before the stoppage-time Stephan El Shaarawy strike to complete the 3-0 scoreline.
“In the first half we felt frustrated at not scoring, considering we created so many chances, and after the red card obviously that made it more difficult for Sampdoria,” Mourinho told DAZN.
Wijnaldum arrived on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in August, but barely played after a serious fracture and is finally able to make the difference.
“I don’t like to talk about individuals, but I am satisfied with his progress and he played really well today. Diego Llorente also did well and that is a performance that really strikes a coach.
“Llorente is the defender who wants the ball the most and plays out from the back in a calm manner.”
This result puts Roma in joint third place alongside Mourinho’s old club Inter, waiting for Milan’s trip to runaway leaders Napoli this evening.
Considering they had most of the defence out suspended, the Special One switched back to a 4-2-3-1 formation for the first time in a year.
“It depends on the opponents and the players I have at my disposal. I always try to use the best players for that situation.”
After the red card, Roma ultras began to aim insulting and racist chants towards Sampdoria coach Dejan Stankovic, until Mourinho made gestures for them to stop.
Stankovic defiantly stated afterwards that he was not ‘insulted’ by being called a ‘gypsy’ because he is proud of his roots.
“Dejan doesn’t need to thank me, I have been insulted many times in so many different ways. I built a protective wall around myself, Deki has done exactly the same. He is a great man, but nonetheless, it isn’t good for his family at home.
“I followed my instinct, Deki is my friend and he is untouchable.”
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his future on the Roma bench and tried to get around the question.
“We’re talking about the end of what, the next game? We’ll talk over the next few days.”