Jose Mourinho SLAMS his Roma players in scathing critique after 1-1 draw to Servette in Europa League

11 months ago 51

Roma took the lead through a first-half goal by their striker Romelu Lukaku
The draw now leaves them second in Group G two points behind Slavia Prague
We expected perfection from VAR - we haven't got it: Listen to It's All Kicking Off

By Milo Pope For Mailonline

Published: 09:26 GMT, 1 December 2023 | Updated: 09:50 GMT, 1 December 2023

Jose Mourinho has slammed his 'sluggish' Roma players after their 1-1 draw to Servette in Geneva last night in the Europa League.

Mourinho's side took the lead in the first half through Romelu Lukaku but Servette pegged them back shortly after half-time through Chris Bedia.

The point leaves Roma second in Group G, two points behind Slavia Prague.

After the match, he singled out summer signing and former Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar by speaking to Sky Sport Italia.

'I really don't understand. I've played 150 matches in the Champions League that are much more "important" than this and my motivation for these matches is sky-high,' Mourinho said.

Jose Mourinho has slammed his 'superficial' Roma players after a 1-1 draw in Europa League

A first-half goal from Romelu Lukaku was not enough to seal the three points for Roma

'It seems that some people who don't have much European experience play these games somewhat superficially.

'It's always the same lads who stay focused for 90 minutes and I don't need to name them. Then there are people who have a bit of a superficial approach in this type of game.

'It's a shame we didn't have a camera in the dressing room at halftime because I always hammer it into them.

'I warn them about going out for the second half against a team losing 1-0 at home.

'Yet again we were superficial in our attitude, in our interpretation of this moment of the match.

'There are players who once again missed an opportunity to prove themselves, for example, Aouar.

'We took that moment of the game too lightly,' the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager added.

Roma's summer signing Houssem Aouar was singled out by Jose Mourinho for criticism

Servette - who are third in their group - will drop down to the Europa Conference League

If Roma finish second in the group they would go into a playoff against a team dropping down from the Champions League for a place in the round of 16.

'I don't think being in the playoffs is a disaster,' Mourinho said.

'Obviously it's going to be difficult but it's also motivating... we'll have another big European night at a packed-out Olimpico.'

Roma will host bottom side Sheriff Tiraspol on December 14 in their final group match while third-placed Servette visit Prague before dropping to the Europa Conference League.