Sky Sport Italia claims José Mourinho and Roma director Tiago Pinto don’t have the same views regarding transfers and the coach admitted yesterday that he wished the club was ‘stronger.’
Roma’s main target this season is to earn a Champions League spot, and the Giallorossi are currently three points below fourth-placed Inter.
Sky Sport Italia’s Roma correspondent Angelo Mangiante says Mourinho and Roma director Tiago Pinto have different ideas regarding the club’s transfer strategies. Pinto has recently claimed Roma do not need new signings in January to strengthen the team, something Mourinho doesn’t agree with.
“The director is the director, I don’t think a coach has to comment on what a director says. I am not supposed to reveal publicly whether I agree or not,” the Special One said at a press conference after yesterday’s 1-0 win against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico.
Mourinho also defended Nicolò Zaniolo, who had been booed by his own fans during the match with Genoa, blaming club legend Vincent Candela who had criticised the Italy international.
“I am sorry for Zaniolo and I am sorry that my club doesn’t have the strength to go straight regarding this situation,” he said.
Zaniolo has a contract expiring in 2024, but the club hasn’t yet begun negotiations to extend his stay at the Stadio Olimpico as, according to Sky Sport, they expect better performances.
Zaniolo has scored two goals in 17 appearances across all competitions this season and has reportedly demanded a new €4m-a-year deal plus add-ons.
The player’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, explained in December that he would make a salary request in line with the price tag the club put on his client last summer.