AS Roma has made it to the quarter-finals of the 2021-2022 European Conference League. However, the result did not make AS Roma coach, Jose Mourinho happy. He was actually worried about the appearance of his men.
Because, he judged, the quality of the Giallorossi players (as Roma’s nickname) was far below his expectations. The Portuguese coach was irritated because his team only drew 1-1 against Vitesse in the last 16 of the 2021-2022 European Conference League, Friday (18/3/2022).
As is known, the Giallorossi had to draw 1-1 with difficulty against Vitesse. They were almost in danger of not being able to escape. Fortunately, Tammy Abraham’s late goal in the 90th minute saved the Italian capital club. Until finally they were entitled to qualify for the quarter finals thanks to an aggregate score of 2-1, after previously winning 1-0 in the first leg.
For the tactician nicknamed The Special One, the game of the Capital Wolf team is unsightly. This can be seen from the match statistics. AS Roma were pressed all-out and were only able to control 37 percent of possession, despite playing at home.
The game is a warning for AS Roma. The reason is, Nicolo Zaniolo et al will play the Derby della Capitale contra Lazio in the 30th week of the 2021-2022 Italian League, Monday 21 March 2022.
The 59-year coach doubts that he can get the three points from Lazio. Even if they will act as the host later.
“Obviously, I’m not happy we played today with a lot of players who also have to be there on Sunday, while tonight Lazio are smoking at home with Sarri,” joked Mourinho, quoted by the Italian Football, Friday (18/3/2022). ).
“Now Sarri is at home smoking while I go home trying to think about how we can recover from this for the next game,” added the former Manchester United coach. The uneasiness of course haunted him.
Given, AS Roma really need a win to fight for the top four positions. The Giallorossi are currently in seventh place in the 2021-2022 Italian League standings. They are one point adrift of Lazio, who are in fifth position.
While AS Roma are eight points adrift of Juventus, who are in fourth place. On the other hand, Lazio came with the hegemony of victory. Maurizio Sarri’s men are looking to steal the full three points to improve their position, closing in on Juventus.
