Ex-Roma director on ‘difficult’ Mourinho exit and Europa League heartbreak | OneFootball

Former Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto opened up about the ‘very difficult’ day Jose Mourinho was sacked and what happened after the Europa League final loss to Sevilla.

The 39-year-old ended his three-year spell as the Giallorossi’s sporting director at the start of February, deciding to take on a new adventure after many highs and lows during his time in the Italian capital. He has since been linked with the job at Newcastle United.

Roma decided to take a risk back in January, sacking Mourinho and bringing in Daniele De Rossi on a short-term deal. The former midfielder has shined in the dugout, winning seven of his first nine league games in charge, and his work has seemingly justified the club’s move.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Pinto was first asked about the day Mourinho was dismissed by Roma.

“That was a very difficult day for everyone. I’m still young, I don’t know if older sports directors manage it differently. The moment a coach has to be fired, I’m dead.”

He spoke about if he’d retain De Rossi as head coach if he was still Roma’s sporting director.

“You can’t put me in those shoes, obviously Daniele is doing very well. He is a spectacular person. I was surprised by his awareness of how much it takes to be a coach.”

The Portuguese director confirmed that De Rossi asked him to stay in his role at the club.

“Yes, we’ve always had a good relationship, even before his arrival.”

Finally, Pinto was asked about the painful Europa League final loss to Sevilla last season.

“What I remember is that it was difficult on a human level to manage the hours following that defeat. It was the only day of my career in which I felt the physical feeling of my emotions. It was a crucial moment for me, perhaps it was at that moment that I made the decision to leave.”