Roma’s Jose Mourinho issues public apology to Renato Sanches after early substitution

Roma manager Jose Mourinho has issued a public apology to Renato Sanches after substituting the midfielder early against Bologna.

The Giallorossi picked up a 2-0 loss to Bologna, with the Rossoblu climbing back into the top four. But during the game, Renato Sanches had come on in the second half but he was subbed off only 18 minutes after coming on and the Portuguese midfielder seemed shocked, as Mourinho didn’t even look at him.

After the game, Mourinho spoke to DAZN (via TMW) about the sub and he publicly apologised to Sanches. The Roma boss said: 

“I want to publicly apologize to Renato Sanches, it’s very hard for a footballer, but it’s also hard for a coach, I’ve done it 3-4 times in my career and it’s not easy.”

Roma had played without Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala and Mourinho spoke about their absence, saying: “Without Paulo Dybala there is no class, without Romelu there is no physicality. The people on the pitch wanted to do better and give more.”

Mourinho and Sanches have had a frosty relationship ever since the Portuguese midfielder joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, but he has had a fair share of injury issues and they have constantly held him back. Mourinho publicly criticised the player’s fitness earlier in the season and Sanches has picked up multiple issues since then.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN