da luck： Jose Mourinho says he was “eliminated” as Roma manager by an ownership group that “knows little about football”.
da pinnacle： Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Portuguese dumped by Serie A giantsHad enjoyed success in EuropeTaken aim at American owners in ItalyWHAT HAPPENED?
The charismatic Portuguese was relieved of his duties at Stadio Olimpico on January 16. He had delivered Europa Conference League glory to the Italian capital, while also guiding the Giallorossi to the Europa League final in 2023.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
His departure left many supporters disappointed, despite struggles for consistency this season, and Mourinho has pointed the finger of blame for his departure firmly in the direction of The Friedkin Group – who are headed up by American billionaire businessman Dan Friedkin.
WHAT MOURINHO SAID
Discussing the knockout stages of this season’s European competitions, Mourinho has told : “The European competitions are about to begin, in particular the Champions League, perhaps the most important competition on the world calendar. I won’t be there at these final stages, not because I’ve already been eliminated, but because I was ‘eliminated’ by someone who knows little about football. That’s life, full of ups and downs, and I’m growing, despite the unexpected and unfair dismissal. But I will return, with even more enthusiasm and confidence, for these UEFA matches.”
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Mourinho added when asked what advice he would offer to those chasing down continental glory in 2024: “I’ve participated in many matches and have reached the final several times. They are truly special matches, for us coaches, for the fans and, obviously, for the players. I therefore have enough experience and knowledge to know how to move forward, even when we have opponents with a much greater potential than ours. At this stage I always keep in mind, in the first game you always play to win, in the second, you know what you need to go to the next round. Win with one goal, draw or even lose by one or two goals. And knockout matches are managed on this basis.”