Mourinho: 'I was fired by someone who doesn't understand football'

Coach Jose Mourinho spoke for the first time about being fired by Roma, when he hinted that the Italian team's owners did not understand much about football.

Mourinho is still reeling from his sacking on January 16, despite Roma being just five points off the top four in Serie A and already in the Europa League knockout stages. "I'm not in charge of any team in this round, not because I was eliminated by any opponent, but because someone who doesn't understand football sacked me," the Portuguese coach told Football .

Coach Jose Mourinho (left) and billionaire Dan Friedkin after the UEFA Conference League final at Kombetare Stadium, Tirana, Albania, May 25, 2022. Photo: asromalive — Coach Jose Mourinho (left) and billionaire Dan Friedkin after the UEFA Conference League final at Kombetare Stadium, Tirana, Albania, May 25, 2022. Photo: *asromalive*

Mourinho was referring to Roma owner Dan Friedkin, when the American billionaire called directly to inform him of his decision to fire the 61-year-old coach. Friedkin, 59, bought Roma from James Pallotta for $591 million in 2019. Like many American owners of European clubs, this businessman with a total asset of $6 billion does not know much about football.

"Life has its ups and downs, so I will continue to try, despite the sudden and unfair dismissal," Mourinho added. "I will return, with greater inspiration and confidence for the European Cup matches."

Mourinho led Roma to the 2022 Conference League title in his first season, ending a 14-year trophyless streak. A year later, he took Roma to the Europa League final, losing to Sevilla on penalties. He remains the only person to have led teams to win all three European competitions: the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Mourinho believes he has led teams to so many finals that he knows how to take his club forward. "I have enough experience and knowledge to build a team, even if the opponents have better potential," he said. "In the knockout stages, I always aim to win the first leg, so that in the second leg I know what I have to do to qualify."

Since being sacked by Roma, there have been many rumors about Mourinho's next destination, such as Chelsea, Barca or Bayern. "The Special One" ruled out the possibility of working in the Saudi Pro League at the moment, because he still wants to stick with top European football.

Hoang An

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