Following his latest red card for appealing a penalty judgment, Jose Mourinho has urged his Roma players to start diving, instructing them to “be a clown.”
Nicolo Zaniolo was denied what he believed to be a clear-cut penalty in the match against Atalanta. Mourinho then protested his team’s penalty appeal that was being waved away.
Mourinho will always fight for his team 😅🟥 pic.twitter.com/WczJCSpOnE
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However, he went overboard and the fiery Portuguese coach was sent to the stands after the lost his cool.
After the 1-0 loss to Atalanta, his post-match meetings with the officials convinced him that he needs the players on the field to start acting more theatrically.
What Did Mourinho Say?
The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss told reporters: “There was a very clear penalty.
“I asked the referee afterwards why, and asked him to be clear with me. That it was because Zaniolo did not go down. So therefore I have to change my advice to my players.
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“I have to tell them don’t try to stay on your feet, don’t play the ball. Be a clown the way many who dive like they’re in a swimming pool do in this league, because that is evidently how you get penalties.”
Roma’s loss to Atalanta has dropped them to sixth place in Serie A. They are four points behind leaders Napoli going into the international break.
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