While his AS Roma team faced Saturday evening in a friendly, the Albanian team of Partizani Tirana, Houssem Aouar was taken off the field without being replaced by José Mourinho.
It was the fifth and final match of AS Roma’s preparation phase. Saturday evening, the men of José Mourinho were thus opposed to the Albanian club Partizani Tirana. A match that Houssem Aouar started in the shoes of a holder. But the former Olympique Lyonnais didn’t stay on the pitch until the final whistle since his coach chose to take him out in the 79th minute… without replacing him. The explanation for this choice was given by the Italian press.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Portuguese coach had spotted that the Partizani players were not sparing a Houssem Aouar, victim of several aggressive interventions. The imminent start of the new season, no question for José Mourinho to see one of his main elements being injured. Suddenly, and when he had already made his eight changes, the “Special One” still made the strong decision to bring the Algerian international back to the pits to protect him.
In the middle of a match, José Mourinho takes out Houssem Aouar to blow him away. Having already made their 7 changes, Roma finished at 10 of their own free will 😭: pic.twitter.com/u6G2MXv8WT
— Jose Mourinho Show (@Jmshow10_) August 12, 2023
Resumption on August 20
While leading 2-0 before this somewhat special outing, the Romans finally conceded an Albanian goal which did not, however, deprive them of victory. In a week, Roma will officially start their season with a first Serie A match set for August 20. It will be at home, against Salernitana. Houssem Aouar should not miss the appointment.
