Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has hits back at Jose Mourinho’s as he defends his Napoli substitutions in the 1-1 draw with Roma.
‘I regret telling my players to behave themselves with referees.’ he said
“There is some disappointment, because for long periods we controlled the game well. We were up against a strong side that created problems for us,” Spalletti told DAZN.
Spalletti was heavily criticised for his substitutions, which he removed all his strikers in a bid to defending the 1-0 lead.
“Even before that, we weren’t very fluid and they were spreading it wide to their wing-backs. In terms of our tactics, we improved, but those who came on could’ve done better. We had four out of five players fresh, yet we tried to put the ball long instead of passing it to feet the way we know how.”
Football Italia reported that Mourinho ranted about the referee in his post-match comments, claiming the officials had prevented Roma from even attempting to win the game. which Spalletti responded to.
“No, I won’t respond to Mourinho. From the first moment I came here, I always told my players to behave well, not raise their voices. The result is that when opponents come here, they act like they are the home team, crowding around the referee and doing anything they want.
“If I could go back, I would no longer have asked my players to do that, because some referees are influenced by this attitude. I am not just talking about Roma, either.
“Di Bello was called to check the VAR review because that was a penalty.”
The fact remains, Spalletti has again come close to a Scudetto challenge only to falter. How does he judge the campaign?
“I am judged by what I do. For long periods, we played good football. I think today’s result penalises us in terms of the table, but it gives dignity to the football we played.
“We could’ve doubled our lead in the first half, but towards the end we struggled to keep hold of the ball.”
