Jose Mourinho called his recent dismissal from Roma ‘unexpected and unfair’ after suggesting the club’s owners ‘know little about football’.
The 61-year-old Portuguese coach was sacked by the Giallorossi on January 16th after a painful 3-1 loss away to Milan, a result that left his side seventh in the league table. He was replaced by former midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who penned a six-month deal.
Mourinho won the Conference League in his first season and took Roma to the Europa League final in his second. His dismissal has not gone down particularly well with Giallorossi supporters, who have made their feelings clear with banners and posters across the city.
Speaking to Football.com via Calciomercato.com, Mourinho first discussed the knockout stages of European competitions this season and his recent dismissal from Roma.
“The European competitions are about to begin, in particular the Champions League, perhaps the most important competition on the world calendar.
“I won’t be there at these final stages, not because I’ve already been eliminated, but because I was ‘eliminated’ by someone who knows little about football.
“That’s life, full of ups and downs, and I’m growing, despite the unexpected and unfair dismissal. But I will return, with even more enthusiasm and confidence, for these UEFA matches.”
Mourinho then spoke about some advice for approaching the knockout stages.
“I’ve participated in many matches and have reached the final several times. They are truly special matches, for us coaches, for the fans and, obviously, for the players.
“I therefore have enough experience and knowledge to know how to move forward, even when we have opponents with a much greater potential than ours.
“At this stage I always keep in mind, in the first game you always play to win, in the second, you know what you need to go to the next round.
“Win with one goal, draw or even lose by one or two goals. And knockout matches are managed on this basis.”
Mourinho oversaw 138 matches in charge of Roma across his 30-month spell in the dugout, picking up 68 wins, 30 draws and 40 losses.