Jose Mourinho has hit back after the Portuguese manager was criticized for his tactics in the Europa League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen.
- Roma reach Europa League final
- Mourinho’s tactics get criticised
- Portuguese manager hits back
What’s the news?
AS Roma reached the final of the Europa League on Thursday after a 0-0 draw away at Bayer Leverkusen. It wasn’t the result that earned Mourinho and the Italians criticism but the way they played during that game. Roma had only 26% possession and did not made a single shot on target. After the game several Bayer Leverkusen players were angered with the ‘ugly tactics’ used by Mourinho. The manager himself then hit back to the critics.
What did Mourinho say?
Talking to reporters after the game, he said: “It’s always the same story: the team that loses will look for an excuse. While they would do the same in reverse. We gave everything. This is the result of hard work, experience and tactical ingenuity. We know how to perform in these kinds of competitions. This is an extraordinary team.”
Just like last year, Roma will play a European final. Last year the Italians won the Conference League by beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the final. “It’s not about me getting into the history books. I want to help these guys develop and achieve great things. I also want to give the fans great moments, because they have given me a lot from day one. It feels good to be in a final again.”
What next for Roma?
Roma is currently outside of the top five in the Serie A and are two points behind fifth placed AC Milan. The club’s only way into the Champions League looks to be through the final of the Europa League. They will play Sevilla, who managed to beat Juventus.
