José Mourinho stated that he and his team maintained their dignity despite criticizing referee Anthony Taylor’s performance as “scandalous” in Roma’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla. Mourinho went on to express his hope not to encounter Taylor next season.
Roma lost to Sevilla in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Budapest. This marked Mourinho’s first European final defeat, having won his previous five. The Portuguese coach lamented having to be the one to claim his team was robbed.
Mourinho also hinted at uncertainty about his future as Roma’s coach, demanding changes but clarifying that he had not spoken to any other clubs.
“I can’t say I will be here next season,” he said. “I will go on holiday on Monday, then we will speak.”
In a lengthy post-match discussion, Mourinho defended his players, focusing on controversial refereeing decisions including a potential handball from Fernando, which did not result in a penalty for Roma, and the VAR overturning an initial decision to award Sevilla a penalty for a challenge on Lucas Ocampos by Roger Ibañez.
Mourinho was incensed by what he perceived as robbery, pointing out that there were 13 cards for players and at least three more for the Roma bench, including himself.
“I must say we’re used to this,” Mourinho said, “but this is a European final, and with this kind of refereeing, it is hard to accept”.
Mourinho praised his players for maintaining their dignity despite the loss, saying he had never been more proud, though not happier, than he was that day.
The Roma coach went on to express relief at not playing in the Champions League next year, suggesting that his young team was not ready for that level of competition and that he hoped Taylor’s mistakes would be limited to the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Sevilla’s coach, Jose Luis Mendilibar, expressed his belief that it would be “incredible” not to be offered the chance to continue with the team, having won the Europa League and pulled Sevilla clear of the relegation zone in just three months.
“For a coach who seemed to have won the chance to coach Sevilla in a raffle, winning this is not bad, eh,” he said.
Taylor scandalous