Interviews

Jose Mourinho discusses Houssem Aouar’s evolution

Andy Mattioli
GENOA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 28: José Mourinho, head coach of Roma, looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 28, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Roma manager Jose Mourinho spoke about the evolution of Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar.

In his post-match press conference following Roma’s win over Slavia Praha, Mourinho discussed Aouar’s gradual adaptability in light of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini’s absence.

“We cannot change Aouar’s characteristics, he is the player that he is. We are a team that needs everyone to participate in pressing in an important way, and he is not a player of great intensity, he has always been a creator, a playmaker and now he is transforming. He’s important for us now because Pellegrini and Dybala are missing.”

“In the second half we put intensity into pressing, not only in midfield but also up front with El Shaarawy. In the second half I wanted to change something, but I saw five players warming up; Costa was there, Cherubini who played today, D’Alessio who played once, Pisilli too, only Pagano is evolving. I didn’t have this potential and we managed the match as best we could.”

Match Center

MatchDay 22
26 Jan 15:00
Udinese
UDI
Roma