Rick Karsdorp, the Dutch defender who recently transferred to PSV Eindhoven, has broken his silence on one of the most controversial episodes of his tumultuous time at Roma. The incident in question revolves around his complicated relationship with former manager Jose Mourinho, which reached a boiling point following a match against Sassuolo on November 9, 2022.
In that game, Karsdorp’s performance was deemed extremely disappointing, leading Mourinho to publicly speak of “betrayal” by the right-back. This incident resulted in Karsdorp’s exclusion from the first team for several months before Mourinho eventually had a change of heart.
In a recent interview with Nu.nl, Karsdorp shared his perspective on the incident and his relationship with Mourinho:
“He called me a traitor eight times in the dressing room, but he shouldn’t have done it publicly. He was wrong and never apologized to me, he’s not that kind of man. He went too far, after that episode I should have left.”
The situation inevitably led to a deep rift between Karsdorp and Mourinho, especially considering their apparently excellent relationship up to that point. Karsdorp elaborated:
“I still have the funny conversations with Mourinho saved on my phone. There was a good rapport, which is why I was surprised by his behavior.”
The Dutch defender’s revelations shed light on the internal dynamics at Roma during Mourinho’s tenure and highlight the lasting impact of the manager’s public criticism on player-coach relationships.
Karsdorp’s move to PSV Eindhoven marks a new chapter in his career, allowing him to put the Roma controversy behind him. However, his candid comments serve as a reminder of the intense pressures and personal conflicts that can arise in top-level football, even between seemingly compatible personalities.
