Jose Mourinho claims the media told ‘big lies’ about a row with Roma players. ‘There are no secrets between us, they all told me they are happy with my working methods and don’t want me to change. This is how I work.’
The Giallorossi are preparing to face Sassuolo and need to get back on track after some disappointing results, including the controversial Serie A 0-0 with Genoa and midweek 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Inter.
“We had a horrible performance for 12 minutes, but after that deserved more against Inter, playing very well,” insisted Mourinho in his press conference.
“We could’ve conceded two or three in those opening minutes, but after that we looked more like scoring. So there’s a negative effect from the result, but confidence boosted because we played so well.”
There were also multiple reports that Mourinho blasted his players in the locker room, saying they had ‘no balls’ and belonged in Serie C, creating extreme tension between coach and squad.
While Mourinho refused to confirm or deny what he said in that locker room, he did insist the suggestion players were offended by his comments were “a big lie.
“The players told me they are happy with my working methods. There are no secrets between us, I say things to their face and I invite the players to engage in a dialogue. Everyone told me they don’t want me to change, so I told them I will not change.
“You talk about it as me letting loose frustration, but do you think I shouldn’t reproach Ibanez, Karsdorp, Mancini or Smalling? We talked after the game, analysed and worked on those errors. That is how I work.
“Now ask me questions about Sassuolo or I am leaving.”
When the reporters present did point out that Sassuolo coach Alessio Dionisi said Roma’s squad had better technique, Mourinho disagreed.
“If anything, Sassuolo have much more quality and technique than my team. They can play out from the back with their defenders, I can’t do that.”
The coach also refused to discuss Edin Dzeko’s comments that he did not expect to leave Roma for Inter once Mourinho came in.
“I don’t know what he said and I don’t care.”
🎙 LIVE | La conferenza stampa di José Mourinho in vista di #SassuoloRoma https://t.co/y3pqK4ideM
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 12, 2022