Following a disappointing Europa League affair at the Stadio Olimpico, Jose Mourinho discussed his side’s loss to Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis in a post-match interview with Sky Sport.
“They played much better than us in the first half,” said the Special One. “We had more opportunities, which is a paradox.”
“When in possession, they found ways to make life much more difficult for us. In the first half we came close to scoring with Zaniolo’s crossbar hit and the save on Dybala, in the second half we had a chance with Cristante.”
“The correct result would have been a draw,” Mourinho added.
“We’re talking about a team that tried to win the game despite being visibly tired. You can’t analyze our fatigue any other way. It’s a bitter result, because despite not playing well, the team did not deserve to lose.”
“Zaniolo? He must have done something to deserve a red. It’s a shame the referee did not see Pezzella’s foul which would have been his second yellow.”
“Conference League? I prefer to stay up in the Europa League rather than go down to the Conference. We want to finish second in the group.”
