Serie A boss fires back at Mourinho, denies unfair targeting of Roma

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho. | Credit: Imago

Serie A boss fires back at Mourinho, denies unfair targeting of Roma

Ayoola Kelechi 10:34 - 05.11.2023

Roma boss Jose Mourinho has talked himself into an official response from Serie A’s CEO, who rubbished the Portuguese’s claims about favouritism

CEO of Lega Serie A, Luigi De Siervo, has hit back at Roma manager Jose Mourinho, who accused the league body of unfairly targeting his Gialorossi side.

Mourinho attacks Serie A scheduling

Mourinho, who is only returning from a suspension earned after getting sent off against Monza a fortnight ago, has been heavily critical of the league’s scheduling as it involves his Roma side, especially in matches after European encounters.

The Portuguese manager noted ahead of his side’s match against Lecce that Roma’s opponents after Europa League games on Thursdays usually get to play a Gialorossi side that is not at full strength since they will have an extra day to rest, while his side will not.

Jose Mourinho, Paulo Dybala

The former Real Madrid and Inter coach used the upcoming Derby della Capitale against Lazio to buttress his point since the game will be played on Sunday, November 12th, three days after Roma’s UEL match against Sparta Prague and five days after Lazio’s midweek fixture.

Serie A chief denies intent to harm Mourinho’s Roma

However, De Sievo has released a statement debunking Mourinho’s claims of favouritism, saying, “The Lega does not comment on the declarations of its coaches unless these include accusations that threaten the credibility of the Serie A product.”

“In these circumstances, after the game at San Siro, the Roma coach did not just limit himself to pointing out the scheduling was not idea, but even accused the Lega Serie A of wanting to damage his club.

The league CEO flatly denied the accusations levelled Serie A, saying, “We were forced to intervene to defend the Lega, reiterating that we organise the calendar with professionalism and an equidistant approach. It is obvious that the Lega does not do ‘favours’ to anyone, let alone go ‘against’ someone.

Roma's Jose Mourinho after defeat to Genoa | Imago

“As is well known, the majority of Club revenue comes from television rights and the kick-off times of games are decided above all to ensure a maximum audience.

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“This was a pointless controversy because, funnily enough, Inter-Roma was in the ideal scheduling and consequently registered the highest audience share of the Week 10 fixtures and the second highest audience share of the entire season.”

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Roma currently sit in ninth position on the Serie A table, two points and one place below their city neighbours Lazio, although the Gialorossi have played one game less.

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