Lorenzo Pellegrini has drawn criticism for his performance in Roma’s 1-0 loss to Feyenoord in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening.
The Giallorossi captain missed a glorious opportunity to put his side ahead from the penalty spot after 42 minutes, but couldn’t squeeze his effort past Justin Bijlow in the Feyenoord goal.
The 26-year-old is now without a goal since his brace from the penalty spot against Ludogorets in the Europa League group stage in November. He has not scored from open play since the game against HJK Helsinki in September.
Roma returned to the dressing room a few minutes after Pellegrini missed his penalty against Feyenoord, but the former Sassuolo man did not return to the pitch.
Speaking after the game, Jose Mourinho said of his captain: “Maybe the real Lorenzo is about to come back.
“It was my choice and it had nothing to do with the penalty. If a player misses a penalty it’s like we’ve all missed it. It’s never a problem.”
Fans online largely supported the decision to haul Pellegrini off at half-time, with one on social media claiming he had put in an “embarrassing first half.”
Another added that “a spell on the bench will do him good.”
Pellegrini is struggling to replicate the form he showed over the course of this season, which ended up with him leading Roma by assists and goal involvements last campaign.
Mourinho will be hoping that he will be able to improve on his recent dip in form as Roma prepare for the crucial Serie A and Europa League run-ins.
He’s been awful this season. Had he, Abraham or Zaniolo hit any kind of form, Roma would be a in a much better position then where they find themselves now