We never started this low? Roma have never played in two European finals in a row

Jose Mourinho is back in the spotlight - and he's defending in his own unique way

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Mourinho has already registered three defeats, and only six rounds have passed, Photo: Reuters
Mourinho has already registered three defeats, and only six rounds have passed, Photo: Reuters
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

Roma coach Jose Mourinho admitted that the beginning of this season's adventure with the Roman club was his worst start in his coaching career.

After six rounds, "Vučica" is in 16th place in Serie A with only two points above the relegation zone, with a record of three losses, two draws and one win. The defeat against Genoa on Thursday night (4:1) was the culmination of a disastrous start.

Mourinho previously sat on the bench of Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Tottenham, and took over Roma in 2021.

He won two Champions Leagues - but the last one 13 years ago, six national titles in the Leagues of Five - but the last one eight years ago.

"Syndrome of the third season" is also something that often followed him, in a negative sense, in many clubs that he led for a long time, but nowhere did he start this poorly.

Roma strengthened in the summer transfer window - striker Romelu Lukaku, midfielders Renato Sanchez and Leandro Paredes, defender Hussen Auar arrived, but instead of progress - the worst start in the club's history arrived.

"And the worst in my career," Mourinho added.

Last season, the Romans finished sixth in Serie A with the Portuguese and played in the Europa League final. They lost the "Battle for Budapest" to Sevilla on penalties.

"Roma have never had such a bad start, but they have never played in two European finals in a row," Mourinho defended himself in his own way, listing past results.

Roma is the first winner of the Conference League, the youngest UEFA club competition - in 2022, in Mourinho's first season.

"This is the team we have, for better or for worse. We have to move forward - there is no time for regrets," Mourinho said.

His only victory this season in the championship was not "ordinary" - even 7:0 against Empoli.

"Better seven times 1:0 than once 7:0", the famous coach's slogan might have suited Mourinho's style better, but this time it is not like that.

Roma welcome Frosinone on Sunday evening, then visit Cagliari, and wait for Monza.

"Maybe I will show my feelings behind the scenes, because this really affects me emotionally, especially with my relationship with the fans, but now we have to think about the next match. And that's already a big game for us."

No one has said it yet, no one has written it, but Mourinho is already under a lot of pressure and the day may not be far when there will be speculation about his successor.

Except in case the "wolf" starts winning.

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