Roma boss Jose Mourinho made a sly comment at the expense of his former side, Chelsea, poking fun at the London club’s outlandish spending on transfers.
The Portuguese coach was discussing Roma’s actions in the transfer market in a post-match press conference. Unfortunately, it sounds like the Giallorossi will not have many funds with which to bring in reinforcements.
“I don’t expect anyone to come [to Roma],” said Jose Mourinho on transfers, via DAZN. “The director was honest in an interview, which coaches usually don’t like to hear.
“All coaches want to hear that they have a lot of money to buy A, B, C, D, to build an incredible team. I’ve already had situations like this, in clubs with no limits. But that’s not our kind of profile. We work with the quality that we have.”
Despite the director, Tiago Pinto, publicly revealing that Roma cannot go and splash the cash, Mourinho denies a rift with him. He says that rumours of personal problems between the pair are “a total lie”.
“You can’t fault anyone for speaking honestly,” added Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho mocks Chelsea whilst talking Roma transfers
Instead of buying new players, Roma are looking to build from within. For instance, Mourinho started young defender Marash Kumbulla in Sunday’s match vs Fiorentina. This is in direct contrast to Chelsea, who are spending big in the transfer market to fix their problems.
Because of these opposing styles, Jose Mourinho could not help but take a small dig at his former club’s exuberant purchases.
Specifically, “The Special One” referenced the Blues’ surprise signing of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk. He finalised a move to Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a deal worth £62 million, which could rise by a further £27m.
“We can’t buy Mudryk for 100 million,” said the Roma boss, cheekily. “We need to make the youngsters grow up. Such as [Benjamin] Tahirovic – he has these qualities, but he needs time to grow.”
At least Roma’s previous transfers appear to be paying off. For instance, one of the Serie A side’s most notable summer signings, Paulo Dybala, inspired Roma to another win on Sunday night.
Dybala and Abraham combine twice to lead Roma to victory
Tammy Abraham assisted Paulo Dybala on two occasions as Roma secured a 2-0 victory over Fiorentina.
Following a first-half red card for Dodo, visitors Fiorentina were on the back foot for most of the game. Roma’s World Cup winner was able to take advantage just before the interval as a result.
Tammy Abraham chested the ball into the path of Dybala, who then produced a fabulous volley. His shot squirmed under Pietro Terracciano to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.
The attacking pair worked together later on to secure an important 2-0 win for Roma. This time, the England international hit a low cross to Dybala, who finished the golden opportunity.
These crucial three points allow Jose Mourinho’s side to keep pace in the race for the top four. Fiorentina, meanwhile, fall to tenth in the table.
Featured image credit: Getty