Italian media outlet football-italia reported that Mourinho spoke before the match against Cagliari about criticizing the players after losing to Juventus. At that time, Mourinho criticized the Roma players for being too fragile, and the coach responded that the Roma players reacted well, they were all people who wanted to improve, they did not resent the criticism, and accepted their own criticism.
With a 3-1 lead in the last round, Roma scored three goals in seven minutes by Juventus and lost 3-4. After the game Mourinho was furious and severely criticized the Roma players. Mourinho criticised Roma for being too vulnerable and used to being in his comfort zone, just content to fight for a 6th place in Serie A. Mourinho's remarks also caused controversy in public opinion, believing that Mourinho spoke too directly and hurt the self-esteem of Roma players too much.
"Roma players have embraced (my criticism) very well, especially those who believe in my experience and are willing to trust the process of our work today. When we're communicating, I can observe those positive attitudes. What I said in front of the media before, we talked more deeply when we talked to the players. Roma players are people who want to improve, they are not resentful of criticism and are willing to accept criticism. Mourinho said.
Mourinho further explained his remarks and the situation within roma: "That's why I'm happy to work with these people, psychological ups and downs are common for everyone. Oliveira is also well aware of the situation within the squad, he feels that our team is still young, including Pellegrini and Mancini, and we need a little more patience. ”
In the winter window transfer period, Roma came on loan with Niles and Oliveira, and Mourinho was also very satisfied with the club's signings: "I don't think we have a third reinforcement, and now we have two new signings, I am already very happy. "At the same time, Mourinho also revealed spinazzola's recovery, Mourinho said that it is time to be patient and calmly give Spinazzola the resumption of training as planned." I'd be happy if he could come back in mid-April or May, with such a serious injury, it's really troublesome to recover. ”