Jose Mourinho claims he was ‘eliminated’ from AS Roma manager’s job by a group of owners who ‘don’t know much about football’.
The charismatic Portuguese was dismissed from his duties at the Stadio Olimpico on January 16. He allowed the club from the Italian capital to win the Europa Conference League, while leading the Giallorossi to the Europa League final in 2023.
Jose Mourinho’s departure has left many fans disappointed, despite the Roman club’s problems this season, and Mourinho has pointed the finger at the Friedkin Group, led by American billionaire businessman Dan Friedkin, to explain his departure.
Mourinho attacks Friedkin
Speaking about the knockout stages of this season’s European competitions, Mourinho told Football.com: “European competitions are about to start again, especially the Champions League, perhaps the most important competition on the world calendar. I will not be present during these final stages, not because I have already been eliminated, but because I was “eliminated” by someone who does not know much about football. It’s life, full of ups and downs, and I’m growing, despite this unexpected and unfair dismissal. But I will come back, with even more enthusiasm and confidence, for these UEFA matches.”
Mourinho added, when asked what advice he would give to those aiming for continental glory in 2024: “ I participated in many matches and reached the final several times. These are truly special matches, for us coaches, for the fans and, of course, for the players. So I have enough experience and knowledge to know how to move forward, even when we have opponents whose potential is much greater than ours. At this point I always keep in mind that in the first game you always play to win, in the second you know what you need to do to move on to the next round. Win with one goal, draw or even lose with one or two goals. Knockout matches are managed on this basis. »
