Jose Mourinho questions Maurizio Sarri’s ‘mentality’ in response to ‘friendly’ jibe ahead of Rome derby

AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho compared his title-winning credentials to a manager who “has barely won anything” in a fiery response towards Lazio's Maurizio Sarri ahead of Sunday's Rome derby.

Roma face Lazio on November 12 live on TNT Sports and discovery+ and Lazio coach Sarri described Roma’s Europa League game against Slavia Prague in the build-up as a “friendly”.

Sarri was responding to earlier comments from Mourinho suggesting Lazio had an "advantage" as their Champions League clash with Feyenoord fell two days before Roma's European game.

The former Chelsea boss said his team had to go to “war” with the Dutch side, who they defeated 1-0, whereas Roma had the luxury of being able to rest players for their game on Thursday.

Mourinho issued his response, suggesting Sarri had insulted Slavia Prague and questioning the 64-year-old’s mentality.

“I think that if someone ought to feel offended about that comment, it is Slavia Prague and not me,” Mourinho said ahead of Roma’s clash with the Czech side. “It is as if he said Slavia have no quality.

“I always respect my opponents. Perhaps this is the difference between a coach who has won 26 titles and another that has barely won anything: that kind of mentality.

“Every game must be taken seriously, there are no friendlies. I would love to hear the reaction of the Lega Serie A, because that was an objective and direct criticism. So I wait.”

Roma enjoyed an electric start to their 2-0 win over Slavia Prague two weeks ago, a vast contrast to their recent habit of winning games late on.

Edoardo Bove scored in the first minute and Romelu Lukaku struck 16 minutes later to give the Italians a healthy lead.

There was no response from Jindrich Trpisovsky’s side as Roma took a huge step towards qualification with their third win in three.

“The biggest game of a lifetime is always the next one for me, always,” Mourinho maintained. “Since I started being a professional coach, that has been the case.

“We scored in the opening minute, so most games do not develop that way. We got the second goal after 20 minutes and kept the match under control from then on.

“Slavia Prague are a strong team, they have organisation, with quality both attacking and defending. They have a good coach, a beautiful stadium.

“We are close to qualification, while they too are in a privileged position compared to Servette and Sheriff in the group. I expect a good game.”

Roma are all-but assured of a knockout place already as they sit top of their group with nine points ahead of Slavia (6), Servette (1) and Sheriff (1).

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