El Shaarawy: ‘Mourinho took Roma blame, De Rossi a leader’

Stephan El Shaarawy admits Jose Mourinho ‘took the blame’ for Roma errors, but insists they ‘never lost unity’ and are ready to reboot with ‘leader’ Daniele De Rossi.

It has been a strange few days for the Giallorossi, as coach Mourinho was surprisingly fired after their Coppa Italia exit to arch-rivals Lazio.

They had also slipped down the Serie A standings, so the three points were crucial this evening against Hellas Verona.

“The disappointment of the fans is understandable for the period we are going through and the sacking of Mourinho, but it was crucial that we remain united. We have always been united and every time we set foot on the pitch, it was to do the best for Roma,” El Shaarawy told DAZN following a 2-1 victory.

“It has been a difficult period, but we all want to do what is best for Roma.”

Mourinho was given the sack by the Friedkin family who run the club, as the third season curse of the Special One’s career struck yet again.

“We never lost our unity over the years. There have also been some marvellous moments, reaching two European finals. Just as we were united in those moments, we were also united when things weren’t going well.

“Sadly for him, the coach took the blame, but it is to be shared throughout all of us, players, staff and club. We can do more.”

Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Pellegrini found the net early on from El Shaarawy assists, as the 4-3-2-1 formation seemed to work well.

Verona fired a penalty over the bar with Milan Djuric and scored from the Michael Folorunsho screamer, setting up a tense finale where Roma switched back to the three-man defence.

“De Rossi made a great impression, but he was already a leader as a player and talked a great deal. He just changed outfit now, but he has the same passion and sense of belonging that he always did,” added his former teammate El Shaarawy.

The target for Roma is now fourth place, or winning the Europa League, to secure qualification for the Champions League.

“We need to do it with performances and attitude. I don’t think we lacked attitude really, but we perhaps did in terms of quality. We always tried to give our best, it was not enough, now we need a run of victories to regain confidence.”