Jose Mourinho is mainly known for his eccentric behaviour and style and nickname Mr Special.However, it seems he’s not at the levels we’re used to seeing him in terms of results and achievements. A relatively slow decline has been present in his career in the last couple of years, with his current Roma tenure being no exception.The image says it all… (©AFP)One will say that their UEFA Europe Conference League progress to the 1/4 finals tells a different story, but if we put their European performances under scrutiny, it’s obvious they were luckier to advance than it was a consequence of their peculiar display.The Dutch side Vitesse didn’t seem too challenging in prospect, but unlike the 3-1 win on aggregate suggests, it was anything but a picnic for the Giallorossi. Firstly, they did clinch a 1-0 away victory in the first leg, despite the hosts creating half a dozen of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. However, impeccable keeper Ricardo and a lack of fortune prevented the Dutch team from a draw, let alone tarnishing uninspiring visitors.CONFERENCE LEAGUE: Unconvincing Roma head home with a goal in frontIt was an undeserved victory, with Roma scoring through Mkhitaryan to guarantee themselves a relaxed prelude for the return tie at Rome. Still, they managed to bottle it heavily for the vast part of the match, as the attacking-oriented underdogs fought with lots of courage with the clear intention to knock down the greats.That Wittek’s second-half opener, a genuinely remarkable long-range effort, a stunner worth a bow, seemed like a death sentence for Mourinho and his slot. Yes, it only tied the tie (on aggregate) at one, but Vitesse seemed eager and capable of going through. Even during that Roma’s last gasp push to level the game and eliminate their die-hard opponents.
But that first-leg sitters came to haunt Vitesse as the stoppage time was fast approaching. Roma’s saviour Tammy Abraham, who’s scored 21 goals and added four more assists since the season started, stepped up again for the team when they desperately needed him.🏴 Tammy Abraham has now been involved in 25 goals for Roma this season in all competitions. 🔘 38 Games 🔘 21 Goals 🔘 4 Assists The prince of Rome. #ASRoma #Roma pic.twitter.com/fLFNMUY3u6— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) March 17, 2022 The Giallorossi are in the last 8 round, but, in truth, they don’t seem intimidating at all and ought to reach some much higher levels of performance if they opt for the ECL title. Still, isn’t the same Mourinho who deserves praise for such usage of previously modest Abraham? Indeed, it might be since the Portuguese tactician is a great motivator and is known for his incredible work with the strikers in particular.
However, the coach is also the one to blame for that disturbing vulnerability of the team and some other pertinent questions regarding the squad’s state. Man with such a nickname is expected to deliver more, and as the season is reaching its finale, it’s Mourinho who will be demanded to give it go for a sought-after trophy. Especially considering Roma’s Serie A shy output, sitting in sixth place at the moment. FRI: 23.00: (2.30) WOLVERHAMPTON (3.35) LEEDS UNITED (3.40)