Jose Mourinho slams 'weak' Roma players after Juventus complete a seven minute comeback

Jose Mourinho slams his ‘weak’ Roma players after Juventus complete a seven-minute comeback to ruin Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ debut… and confirms Serie A side will recruit ‘physicality and personality’

  • Jose Mourinho has lashed out at his Roma players, claiming they’re ‘too weak’
  • Roma led the match 3-1 but allowed Juventus to score three in seven minutes 
  • Ex-Spurs boss claims his side suffered a ‘psychological collapse’ in the game
  • The 58-year-old confirmed Roma will look to recruit ‘physicality and personality’ 
  • Loss is a big dent in their top-four hopes, remaining nine points behind Atalanta  


Jose Mourinho has lashed out at his Roma players claiming they’re ‘too weak’, following their seven-minute capitulation against Juventus.

The Special One watched on as his side threw away a 3-1 lead, eventually losing 4-3, following goals from Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli, Dejan Kulusevski and Mattia de Sciglio in the second-half. 

The former Chelsea, Manchester Utd and Tottenham boss believes his side suffered a ‘psychological collapse’ in the latter stages of the match.

Jose Mourinho called his Roma side 'too weak' following their 4-3 defeat to Juventus

Jose Mourinho called his Roma side ‘too weak’ following their 4-3 defeat to Juventus

Goals from Tammy Abraham, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lorenzo Pellegrini gave hosts initial lead

Goals from Tammy Abraham, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lorenzo Pellegrini gave hosts initial lead

‘We were in total control for 70 minutes,’ Mourinho told DAZN.

‘The team played really well and had the mentality of taking control, we came out and started strong. We had this idea of the high press, of controlling the tempo and taking the initiative. 

‘It was so good for 70 minutes, then there was this psychological collapse. The 3-2 killed us, because Felix [Afena-Gyan] had an extraordinary game, which finished with a sprint against [Juan] Cuadrado. I take him off and his replacement [Eldor Shomurodov] gets it all wrong.

Portuguese manager says his side struggled to deal with 'a psychological complex' in the game

Portuguese manager says his side struggled to deal with ‘a psychological complex’ in the game

‘When we allowed them back in for 3-2, a team with a strong mentality like Juventus, a strong character. The fear set in. A psychological complex. It’s not a problem for me having 3-2, it’s a problem for them. For my team.

‘At the end of the day, when you’re in the s***, you get back on your feet and find your character. But there are people in this locker room who are a bit too nice, a bit too weak.

‘I already told the players, if the game had ended at the 70th minute, it would’ve been an extraordinary performance. Unfortunately, it didn’t end then.’

The 58-year-old handed Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles his Roma debut after completing a move earlier this week.

Despite the addition of the 24-year-old, Mourinho believes his team still has a lack of personality which he’ll look to resolve in the transfer window.  

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was handed a debut after completing a loan switch from Arsenal

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was handed a debut after completing a loan switch from Arsenal 

‘I never thought my personality was enough. I thought it could be a bit easier. For 70 minutes we played a game that is also a consequence of the talent we have, but in the main choices of the squad and the players who play there is often a lack of personality, even in managing emotions and in the game.

‘I want to work here every day of these three years, not a day less. I need help from the club that really matches our potential. 

‘Now we’re signing two players on loan to help the team, one was Maitland-Niles and another midfielder who I think will arrive next week. A player with more physicality and personality, suitable to have some responsibility.

‘This thing of playing in the comfort zone, of playing to be six to seven is too easy for some personalities. We need to get out of this mentality.

‘After Milan I told the guys that it’s them who has to move closer to me, it’s not me who has to become similar to their psychological profile. I don’t want to.’ 

source: dailymail.co.uk