Roma coach Jose Mourinho took aim at former Chelsea star Pedro after his side’s 0-0 draw against rivals Lazio.
The rivals drew at the Stadio Olimpico, although Roma were fortunate to retain a point.
Roma have recovered from a poor start to win three of their last five matches, helping the club to seventh place and three points behind fourth.
Lazio are just one point behind, but 10th in a crowded midfield in Italy.
Mourinho has been criticized for his defensive tactics this season and Lazio certainly had the better chances when the two teams drew.
But the former Chelsea manager says his decision to double Pedro was because the Spaniard is a ‘born jumper’ and he cannot afford to leave him behind in one-on-one situations.
“I didn’t want to leave Mancini alone with Pedro,” said Mourinho.
“I needed Karsdorp to stay and help him.”
“Pedro is a fantastic player, but he is a born diver, an excellent swimmer, he jumps wonderfully in the pool.”
Pedro played under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard joined from Barcelona in 2015 when he chose Chelsea over Manchester United.
The winger spent five years in west London before moving to Roma and spent a year there before moving across town to Lazio.
Source: Metro
Source: Metro
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