Jose Mourinho has taken aim at AS Roma fans following their 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Despite Ola Solbakken scoring the winning goal, Mourinho expressed his disappointment at the lack of appreciation shown towards his team’s efforts in what he described as “very difficult circumstances.”
Speaking after the game, Mourinho said, “I am just disappointed people do not give these lads the credit for the work we are all doing in very difficult circumstances. Either they don’t understand or they don’t want to understand the circumstances. I am grateful for everything they are doing.”
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The Portuguese manager went on to express his frustration with the fans who he felt were quick to jeer at the players after a misplaced pass, saying, “When it’s like today, it is a pity. People start jeering after 15-30 minutes over a misplaced pass. They do not understand what we are doing here.”
Mourinho also had some strong words for the media, suggesting they were not giving Roma the credit they deserve, “You in general in the media are not helping. The others are phenomenons, we win because we are lucky or have set plays.”
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The former Tottenham and Manchester United boss went on to praise his players, particularly right-back Bove, saying, “If I am a Roma fan, I should carry Bove on my shoulders because he is more of a Roma fan than they are. When I arrived, he was about to go on loan to a Serie C team, instead he is starting for Roma.”
Despite his frustration, Mourinho was clear that he wasn’t there to criticize anyone, including the fans, but instead, to protect his players and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.
“I am not here to criticise anyone, the fans should be there criticising me as the coach, but I have to protect my lads, and they deserve more.“
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