Jose Mourinho saw only ‘positive’ things from Roma’s 3-0 Europa Conference League win away to Zorya, but was still bitter about the loss to Lazio.
The Giallorossi were coming off a 3-2 Serie A defeat to Lazio, but retained their 100 per cent record in the Conference League by sweeping Zorya Luhask aside 3-0 in Ukraine.
“I liked the result, which is what matters in the end,” Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia, still visibly furious over the Derby della Capitale.
“A few days ago we dominated against a team that was made to seem small and yet we lost. Tonight we won and that is the most important thing.
“We need another five or six points to secure qualification. Many players got to rest, we didn’t have any new injuries, so that is all positive.”
Mourinho made some surprising decisions in midfield, using Ebrima Darboe, but the youngster rewarded his coach with a splendid assist for Stephan El Shaarawy and some other great passes.
“Darboe played very well. He gave balance to the team and was good in possession. I also liked his defensive movements. I wanted to give Amadou Diawara an opportunity to play in the second half too.
“Chris Smalling communicated well with his defence, so that is positive along with the goal.”
Roma face Empoli in Serie A this weekend, having lost two games already to Verona and Lazio.
“It is always important to get back to winning ways after a defeat. Empoli have nine points, they are a difficult team to face and the lads will arrive back to Rome late. They’ll make the sacrifice by staying at the training ground overnight and training in the morning, then they can go home for a bit.”
#Mourinho: “#Empoli? Dopo una sconfitta è sempre importante tornare a vincere. Dobbiamo cercare di farlo con una squadra a 9 punti, una squadra difficile” #ASRoma #ZoryaRoma https://t.co/qrOLPEGBhw
— pagineromaniste.com (@PagineRomaniste) September 30, 2021