Mourinho: ‘Roma have time to recover in Europa League’

Jose Mourinho was surprised by Roma’s Europa League defeat to Ludogorets. ‘We had the scoring opportunities, but at least it’s a group phase and we have another five games to recover.’

After the 4-0 defeat to Udinese in Serie A, the Giallorossi were left with another bruising result in Bulgaria, beaten 2-1 by Ludogorets in the opening Europa League game.

“I don’t want to say we played a fantastic game, because that’s not true, but it seemed more than sufficient to avoid defeat,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.

“We had the scoring opportunities. Then after their goal, the last 15 minutes became difficult. It was a strong reaction, we got the equaliser, then they scored again. It feels like everything is going wrong at the moment.”

Elsewhere in the group, Real Betis picked up a 2-0 victory away to HJK Helsinki.

“Fortunately it’s a group phase and not a knockout stage, we still have another five games after this to recover. Winning the first always puts you in a good position, but instead now there’s pressure.

“Next week we absolutely need to pick up three points on home turf.”

The group winners go straight through to the Round of 16, whereas the runners-up enter an extra play-off round with sides who drop down from the Champions League.

“I don’t like to talk about the defenders, because it is the whole team that needs to defend properly. The second goal was the consequence of the team not being happy with just a draw and instead pushing on for victory. The truth is that transformed a draw into a defeat.”

While Roma were on the pitch, news came through from Great Britain that Queen Elizabeth II has died.

“That’s very sad. I am not a ‘foreigner’ in Britain, it is my home, my family, we’ve lived there for many years. She was a wonderful figure. I don’t know anyone who didn’t have respect for her.”