Roma coach Jose Mourinho finds himself in a challenging situation as his team currently sits in 16th place in Serie A, with just one win in their opening six league games. This startling start has led Mourinho to label it as “the worst start to a season as a manager.”
A Defensive Concern
One of the main issues plaguing Roma this season is their poor defensive performance. With 11 goals conceded, the team has the third-worst defensive record in Serie A. Their latest defeat, a humiliating 4-1 loss against Genoa, only highlights the defensive vulnerabilities of the team.
Mourinho openly acknowledges the impact the team’s performance has on his personal and professional reputation. He expressed, “It’s also the worst start of my career, but I think it was also the first time in Roma’s history that we played two European finals in a row.” The weight of the situation is compounded by his strong relationship with the Roma fans. Mourinho’s connection to the club further intensifies the disappointment he feels.
Past Successes and Current Challenges
Mourinho’s entrance into Roma was met with excitement, especially after guiding the club to a surprise victory in the Europa Conference League in his first season. This achievement marked Roma’s first continental trophy since 1961. However, last season’s Europa League final defeat against Sevilla serves as a reminder of the team’s inability to replicate that success in Serie A.
Despite the team’s struggles, Mourinho emphasizes the need to rally together and face their challenges head-on. “It’s the group we have, and it’s with this group that we have to get out of,” he stated. Mourinho firmly believes in the capabilities of his squad and aims to find solutions within the existing team structure. He dismisses any talk of the transfer market, emphasizing that the current squad must face their problems and move forward.
Mourinho draws on his past experiences as a source of inspiration during difficult times. He recalls a similar start to the 2016-2017 season with Manchester United when his team only secured 13 points from their first seven Premier League games. However, he managed to guide United to victory in the EFL Cup final and the Europa League. This serves as a reminder that a challenging start does not define the entire season.
Roma’s upcoming fixtures offer opportunities for the team to bounce back. Their next game against Frosinone presents a chance to earn three vital points and regain momentum. Additionally, the Europa League group game against Servette on October 5th provides another opportunity for Roma to find their footing and restore confidence.
Despite the disappointing start to the season, Mourinho remains resolute in his determination to overcome the team’s difficulties. The challenges Roma currently faces may seem insurmountable, but with the leadership of Mourinho and the collective efforts of the team, there is hope for a turnaround in their fortunes.
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