Paulo Dybala’s absence looms large in Roma’s derby defeat, says manager Jose Mourinho

Lazio eliminated Roma from the cup on Wednesday, securing victory with Mattia Zaccagni's 51st-minute penalty.

January 11, 2024

Jose Mourinho Addresses Paulo Dybala Injury — isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Lazio secured victory over Roma in the cup on Wednesday, with the deciding goal coming from Mattia Zaccagni’s penalty in the 51st minute. While expressing disappointment over the Derby della Capitale loss to their arch-rivals, Mourinho asserted that Dybala’s departure due to injury at halftime significantly altered the dynamics of the game.

Addressing the media post-match, the seasoned manager remarked, “In the first half we were the team with the most personality and looked more organized on the pitch. Everything changes for us when Dybala leaves the pitch, it also happened with Fiorentina when we looked like we could win easily. Without him, there is less quality and fewer connections.”

“Dybala? He suffered the usual muscle injury. He played a very physical match two days ago and was on the pitch for 80 minutes. This was a demanding game and he wanted to play. We have examples of people who are within the limits but exceed them like Mancini who takes painkillers to play and doesn’t train until the next match.”

He further stated, “When Paulo goes down, everything becomes more difficult. Pellegrini entered after suffering a blow to the spinal area on Sunday. I’m disappointed in some players tonight. Lukaku could have scored a great goal, we get to the external areas but we don’t make a cross.”

Despite an impressive run, contributing five goals and six assists in 13 Serie A appearances, the Argentine World Cup winner has grappled with multiple injuries this season. Groin, ligament, and hamstring issues have led him to miss a total of nine matches.

Looking ahead, I Giallorossi are set to face AC Milan in a Serie A clash on Sunday. However, Mourinho’s participation in the match is uncertain as he received a red card in the team’s recent Serie A encounter against Atalanta.