José Mourinho (61) has responded for the first time to his dismissal as coach of AS Roma. The Portuguese was pushed aside by the Romans a month ago, despite giving the club its first title in eleven years. Thank you very much, says Mourinho, who once again demonstrated during the interview why he is called ‘The Special One’.
“The European competitions are about to start again, including the Champions League, perhaps the most important competition in the world. I will not be there myself, because I was pushed aside by someone who knows little about football.”
Mourinho is referring to the American businessman Dan Friedkin, the owner of AS Roma. Friedkin sent the Portuguese off about two weeks after the New Year after a 3-1 defeat against AC Milan and replaced him with club icon Daniele De Rossi, whose football is at odds with that of ‘The Special One’.
Mourinho’s wait-and-see football did Roma no harm this season. Romelu Lukaku and co were at the bottom of the left column in Serie A and the football was substandard. Still, the fans of the yellow red (the yellow and red) stand behind their coach, which the 61-year-old coach appreciated. The board, the Friedkin Group, did not. Result: an early exit from the Italian capital for Mourinho, who won the Conference League with Roma in 2022 and guided the club to the final of the Europa League last season.
Mourinho was clearly in pain when he had to pack his bags in Rome, but was also able to put things into perspective. “That’s just how life works. Of ups in downs. And I continue to grow, despite the unexpected and unjustified dismissal. I will return with more enthusiasm and confidence.”