Jose Mourinho believes Roma lacked sharpness up front following their slender 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the Derby della Capitale. The Giallorossi went behind thanks to a defensive error from Roger Ibanez and struggled to test Lazio thereafter, despite have large periods of possession. Speaking to DAZN after the game, Mourinho reflected on a difficult match and what his side was lacking:
It wasn’t easy to play against a team that played so deep and dictated the tempo so well. They defended well after taking the lead and we lacked sharpness as well as the quality that can make a difference in attack.
It’s not just the goals that we are lacking, but also playing as a team and winning individual duels around the pitch. When you play in a very direct fashion, you need to win the individual duels, and we didn’t do that today.
When we are missing certain players, we struggle. Pellegrini always played in the Europa League and when we simply couldn’t do without him, so it’s natural that eventually he’s going to get an injury.
Dybala? Obviously, he wants to go to the World Cup, it’s difficult to say no to that. If his injury progresses well, we hope to have him back on Sunday against Torino.
I think Roma lose those games undeservedly. Atalanta had one shot on goal and won 1-0, Napoli had more problems than they’ve ever had and won with a great goal from Victor Osimhen, while Lazio scored a half-goal.
We lack sharpness, I will admit that, but the identity to fight for a great result is untouchable.
New signings? I don’t think so. We need to get players back to fitness, for example I don’t know how Wijnaldum will be doing at the start of the year. We must make do with what we have, for example Cristian Volpato has played four games already.
“If we have to give more space to other youngsters, we will do that.
