Ex-Roma attacker Antonio Cassano continued his series of digs at former Giallorossi boss Jose Mourinho, labeling the Portuguese technician as “finished” following his midseason exit from the club.
Appearing on Rai television programme “La Domenica Sportiva”, Cassano took aim at the Special One’s coaching style and personality before lauding the work of his replacement, Daniele De Rossi, amidst the team’s resurgence.
“De Rossi loves football, loves to play football and is a manager destined to achieve great things,” began Cassano.
“He’s got a strong personality and possesses credibility whenever he speaks. He’s arrived in a challenging environment and done an sensational job. Right from the start he said the team is strong but must prove it by playing football. “
He continued, “What does it mean? Well, a guy like [Leandro] Paredes wasn’t good according to Mourinho—the same opinion as [Max] Allegri, who played [Enzo] Barrenechea in his place. Fast forward to now and Paredes is at the heart of Roma.”
“He’s a phenomenon, a fantastic player who makes the team tick. De Rossi also revitalised [Lorenzo] Pellegrini, who was often on the bench since Mourinho favored [Edoardo] Bove. He also brought guys like Rick Karsdorp back into the fold.”
“Mourinho is good at talking and pulling the wool over people’s eyes. He’s stuck ten years in the past,” remarked Fantonio.
“He needed to give a lot more, but I get the impression he’s totally burned out and at the end of his rope, he’s finished. He can’t coach anymore, he talks too much and causes too much drama.”
Finally, “As for the two consecutive European finals, let’s remember he parked seven buses in front of goal against Bayer Leverkusen: it was 28 shots to nil. I’d rather lose 5-0 and actually play rather than looking like that.”
