According to Tasnim news agency, Jose Mourinho said in an interview with “Sky Sports Italia” television channel, following his students’ 3-0 win against HJK Helsinki of Finland last night (Thursday) in the second round of the group stage of the Europa League, Dybala scored the first goal. And the team had a different attitude after that. We had the wrong attitude in the first half and acted as if we were 11 against 11 (Finland was playing with 10 men from the 14th minute after Miro was sent off). We were very passive but after Paulo broke the deadlock, he changed the whole attitude of the team. We then went into a two-man defense and knew it was essential to score two quick goals and use the extra man.
He added: “I feel sorry for Helsinki HJK because they started the game well, but after 10 men, it became difficult for them.” The video assistant referee (VAR) made the right decision, but I’ve been in these situations as a coach, it’s difficult for the coach and the players. It was a difficult game for us, we tried to move the ball well on the field. What a coach should do is try to hide his team’s weaknesses as much as possible. It also means making the most of your strengths, other coaches research and study us, just like we do with or opponents, so it’s a puzzle.
“Rome didn’t play well in the first half, but this game is not really a reference for tactics because we played 75 minutes against a 10-man team,” said Roma’s Portuguese coach. We have to do better in making plays from the defensive line because we still have problems in this area. We have to move the ball quicker and these incredibly talented players we have in the attack have to be more determined to make the final shot.
Mr. Khas also mentioned about his team’s encounter with Real Betis in the third round of the Europa League group stage: Betis is a very strong team and I think the two round-trip games against them in this group will be very decisive.
The Giallorossi must now prepare for the match against Atalanta in the seventh week of the Italian Serie A, which will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night.