Roma were in full meltdown mode this evening in their 4-3 loss to Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico.
Despite a 3-1 lead and being in total control in the first 70 minutes, the Giallorossi set a new standard of capitulation. The Giallorossi conceded three goals in seven minutes and missed a penalty all within the final twenty minutes of the affair.
It’s their ninth league defeat of the season and almost certainly ends their hopes of a top-four finish.
Even manager José Mourinho was lost for words when asked to describe his team’s implosion during his post-match interview with DAZN.
“We were in absolute control, we played really well with the mindset of playing our game,” he began.
“Ultimately, when you’re ‘in the shit’, the good ones get back on their feet and find their character. But we’ve got some players in the dressing room whose mentality, personality is a little weak.”
“It this match ends at the 70th minute, then we’ve played an extraordinary game. But this wasn’t the case, unfortunately it didn’t end there–this is exactly what I told the players.”
The Portuguese tactician was asked what it takes to resolve some of the issues his team displayed this evening.
“I never thought my personality would be enough, I thought it would make things easier,” he explained.
“For 70 minutes we played a game that is also a consequence of the talent we have, but in the main choices of the squad and the players who play there is often a lack of personality in managing their emotions and in their play.”
Continuing, “I want to work here every day of these three years: not a day less. I need help from the club that really matches our potential.”
“Now we’re signing two players on loan to help the team, one was Maitland-Niles and another midfielder who I think will arrive next week (Sergio Oliveira). A player with more physicality and personality, suitable to have some responsibility.”
“This thing we have with playing in our comfort zone, of playing to be 6th or 7th is too easy for some personalities. We need to get out of this mentality.”
Finally, “After the loss to Milan, I told the players that they’ve got to move closer to me in terms of mentality, not the opposite. I’m not the one who has to become similar to their psychological profile. I don’t want to.”
