Mourinho blasts ‘superficial’ Roma after disappointing draw

Roma coach Jose Mourinho said some of his players took a “shallow approach” during Thursday’s Europa League match against Servette in Geneva, after the hosts fought back in the second half for a game draw 1-1.

Mourinho’s side took the lead in the first half through Romelu Lukaku, but Servette caught them back shortly after half-time through Chris Bedia.

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This point leaves Roma second in Group G, two points behind Slavia Prague.

“I really don’t understand. I have played 150 Champions League matches which are much more ‘important’ than this one and my motivation for these matches is high,” Mourinho said.

“It seems that some people who don’t have a lot of European experience play these games somewhat superficially.

“It’s always the same guys who stay focused for 90 minutes and I don’t need to name them. And then there are people who have a bit of a superficial approach in this type of match.

It’s a shame we don’t have a camera in the dressing room at half-time because I’m always hammering at them. I’m warning them to come out in the second half against a team losing 1-0 at home.

“We took this moment of the match too lightly,” added the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid coach.

If Roma finish second in the group, they would enter the playoffs against a team that dropped out of the Champions League for a place in the round of 16.

“I don’t think making the playoffs is a disaster,” Mourinho said.

“It’s obviously going to be difficult, but it’s also motivating… we’ll have another great European night in a packed Olimpico.”

Roma will host Sheriff Tiraspol on December 14 in their final group match, while third-placed Servette travel to Prague before qualifying for the Europa Conference League.