Conference League: Jose Mourinho conceded historic bankruptcy with AS Roma
On paper, the game at Bodo / Glimt looked like a mandatory task for the Roma. But in the end there was a violent bankruptcy for Mourinho and Co.
Historic rubdown for Jose Mourinho: “The Special One” embarrassed itself to the bone in the Europa Conference League with AS Roma at outsiders Bodo / Glimt.
The Giallorossi conceded an embarrassing 1: 6 (1: 2) bankruptcy at the Norwegian surprise champions. And for Mourinho, in his 1008th game on the sideline, it was the highest failure of his coaching career. For the first time ever, a team he trained conceded six goals in one game.
“Every defeat causes damage,” said Mourinho afterwards Sky Sport Italia. “We lost to a team that showed more quality that evening. It’s that simple. Their first team is more quality than our second team.”
Mourinho had rotated a lot compared to the 0-1 at Juventus on Sunday. In addition to goalkeeper Rui Patricio, only central defender Roger Ibanez remained in the starting line-up. The regular players Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Bryan Cristante came on during the break, Tammy Abraham and Lorenzo Pellegrini came on after an hour.
Mourinho: “We don’t have a very good squad”
“I chose this line-up, so the responsibility is mine,” said Mourinho, explaining his rotation. Still, he expected more from his second row players. “We have a very good team, we don’t have a very good squad.” The only good thing is “that I will no longer be asked why I always use the same players”.
Erik Botheim (8th) and Patrick Berg (20th) gave the hosts the lead in the first round, Carles Perez (28th) shortened for the Roma – which was lost in the second half. Botheim (52nd, 80th), Ola Solbakken (71st) and Amahl William Pellegrino (78th) marked the other goals for the Norwegians.
Mourinho’s ex-club Tottenham Hotspur has not covered itself with fame in the Conference League either. The Spurs lost at Vitesse Arnhem with 0: 1 (0: 0). The decisive goal was scored by ex-sixties and Fürth Maximilian Wittek (78th).